The Connecticut Choral Society invites readers to The Breath of Life, a special concert featuring the music of Dan Forrest.

Three performances are planned, including one in Newtown, the weekend of November 10-12.

The Breath of Life is Forrest’s celebration of joy and life woven with the pain of loss. Using choir, strings, solo cello, percussion, organ, and electronics, Forrest creates a rich soundscape intertwined with compelling texts from Scripture and poetry.

The arc of the music beautifully mirrors that of life, from the miracle of birth, through the love that makes life meaningful, to the human breath that connects us all. Premiering just before the global pandemic, this work’s themes speak deeply and poignantly in light of what has transpired since.

The concert will also feature Forrest’s “Light Beyond Shadow” and “Always Something Sings,” Astor Piazzolla’s “Four Seasons of Buenos Aires,” and “Two Songs” by the American composer Amy Beach.

Under the direction of Eric Dale Knapp, The Breath of Life will feature soloists Francesca Federico, soprano; Miriam Liske-Doorandish, cello; Max Vladimiroff, piano; and renowned organist and pianist Linda Sweetman-Waters.

CCS will also be joined by OrchestraNexus and The Nexus Choral Artists.

The Society is entering its 41st season inspired by the ethereal tones and profound message of The Breath of Life and united in voice, strength, compassion, and peace to share the magic that happens when all join together as a community.

Maestro Knapp has enjoyed a career in music education, church music, and collegiate teaching, as well as conducting orchestras and choirs throughout the world. The 2023-24 season marks Maestro Knapp’s 21st with CCS.

The Breath of Life is scheduled for Friday, November 10, at 7:30 pm, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main Street (Route 25) in Newtown. It will then be performed on Saturday, November 11, at 3 pm, at North Congregational Church, 11 Main Street North (Route 6) in Woodbury; and Sunday, November 12, at 3 pm, at Valley Presbyterian Church, 21 Whisconier Road in Brookfield.

General Admission is $25 and tickets may be purchased online or at the door.

To purchase tickets or to learn more about The Breath of Life, Connecticut Choral Society, Our Voices United, and the works in store for the 2023-24 season, visit ctchoralsociety.com.