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Webster City singers add their voices to support mental health

FD Choral Society concert is Feb. 24

FORT DODGE — Fort Dodge Choral Society and Fort Dodge Senior High School A Cappella Choir will present “Lives Worth Living” at 3 pm on Sunday, Feb. 24 in the Fort Dodge Middle School Auditorium. Beautiful music, powerful stories, and visual images will tell the stories of those for whom life may be difficult and empower audience members reach out to help those who struggle.

Webster City residents Mark Andrew, Stephanie Hill, Karin Yungclas and Alan Yungclas will add their voices to the nearly 100 performers in the concert.

A Cappella Choir Conductor Matthew Drees and Choral Society Conductor Bruce Perry began planning for this performance last summer. Both recognized the need for conversations about mental illness and the potential for both groups to work together to create that dialogue.

In the introduction to Jake Runestad’s “Please Stay,” the composer shares his reason for writing the piece. “In 2013, suicide took the lives of 41,149 people in the USA alone. Depression affects about 20 million people in the USA, 350 million worldwide. Mental health disorders are serious issues in our culture and it is important that we have open conversation about their existence and that we show support to those who are battling them. ‘Please Stay’ is an anthem for hope – an attempt to destigmatize mental illness and challenge all of us to support those who are battling depression and thoughts of suicide. You are not alone. We can make a difference. We can be the support system that saves a life.”

In addition to Runestad’s piece, the concert juxtaposes selections from Les Miserables and Dear Evan Hansen with classic vocal works by Monteverdi, Handel, Caccini, Stroope, Lauridsen, and Dickau. The closing number, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” reminds listeners and performers of the need for communities and generations to work together to combat the stigma of mental illness.

Perry commented, “Uniting singers of all ages tells the powerful story of those whose lives become difficult because of mental illness. The combination of music and poetry will relay the journey from the darkness of depression to the light of being surrounded by those who care. It is my hope that the performance will serve as a springboard for community dialogue and partnerships that lead to greater understanding of mental health issues.”

All students will be admitted free. Adult admission is by season membership in Choral Society or $10 at the door. All door receipts will be donated to mental health organizations. For further information, visit FDChoralSociety.org or call 515-979-5620.

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