Join The Black Hills State University Concert Choir in Dublin's Unitarian Church, Stephen's Green, at 7pm on Sunday 12th May for a free choral concert where they will perform a varied repertoire of high-quality choral music, both accompanied and a cappella under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Nero.

The ensemble will be joined by Rejoice Gospel Choir, who will perform a selection of their sacred and gospel repertoire.

Entry is free, but advance booking is recommended via Eventbrite.

- ABOUT THE BLACK HILLS STATE UNIVERSITY CONCERT CHOIR

Under Dr. Nero’s direction, The Black Hills State University Concert Choir the choir has performed at state and divisional music conferences, including a North Central ACDA Division performance of Verdi’s Requiem with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra. Concert Choir frequently performs masterworks with area orchestras; Vivaldi’s Gloria, Mozart’s Requiem, Beethoven's Choral Fantasy, Fauré’s Requiem, Carmina Burana by Carl Orff, and several motets and cantatas by J.S. Bach to name a few. In addition to music and music education majors, the Concert Choir membership is comprised of students from all of the colleges on campus. The ensemble performs several concerts each year on campus and during annual spring tours.

Dr. Jonathan Nero joined the music faculty as Director of Choral Activities at Black Hills State University in 2007 where he directs the Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, the Northern Hills Chamber Chorale, and other chamber ensembles. He also teaches applied voice, conducting, and secondary choral methods. Dr. Nero is the artistic director for the Dakota Choral Union and Kantorei in Rapid City. Before coming to Spearfish, Dr. Nero taught at the elementary, secondary, and university levels in North Dakota and high school vocal music in Minnesota. He is also an active singer and guest conductor in the region.

- ABOUT REJOICE:

Formed in February 2018, Rejoice is a small gospel choir with a big sound under the direction of Carmel Whelan. Based in Dublin, Ireland the choir performs traditional spirituals and contemporary gospel numbers in an authentic gospel style, drawing on the rich roots of gospel music and its relationship with other genres such as soul, funk, blues and jazz.

Rejoice has performed alongside artists including The High Hopes Choir, Imelda May, Dermot Kennedy and Paul Noonan as part of ‘Rock Against Homelessness’ in Dublin’s Olympia Theatre, and delighted audiences with performances at Christmas In The Castle, Dublin Castle and Farmleigh House’s Christmas Series. In March 2023 the choir joined legendary producer and musician David Foster in a special performance of one of his most iconic hits, ‘You Raise Me Up' in Dublin’s Mansion House as part of Shamrock Foods 100th anniversary celebrations.

Rejoice has featured on RTÉ’s ‘Service on Sunday’ on behalf of the Methodist Church of Ireland and performed ‘Shine a Light’ alongside Michael English on RTÉ’s Late Late Show as part of the Climb With Charlie fundraising campaign. The choir featured as part of The Late Late Show’s 2023 Valentine’s Day special, performing Higher & Higher to celebrate the vow renewal of John & Vera Hogan, and again in November 2022 as part of a Take That special pop up choir. Rejoice also features on acclaimed Irish artist Wallis Bird’s 2022 EP ‘Handing It Over’, released in December 2022.

At the heart of the choir lies a shared love of music which is reflected in its motto: ‘Ready for joy, ready for love, ready to sing!’