The Goshen College choirs will usher in spring with their ninth annual Earthtones concert this Saturday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m. in Sauder Concert Hall.

Chorale, Chamber Choir, Men’s Chorus and Women’s World Music Choir will sing songs centered around the theme “Songs from Many Cultures.” The concert will feature choral music from not only a variety of composers, but a variety of cultures and countries. Works include music from the African-American spiritual tradition, a First Nation chant from Canada, a Balinese Monkey Chant and songs from Haiti, India, Venezuela, South Africa, Northern Ireland and Finland.

“The energy of the night is always electric in the choir and in the audience,” said Debra Brubaker, professor of music, who is directing the night with Scott Hochstetler. “I am really looking forward to it.”

In addition, the night will feature an original composition by Levi Smucker, a senior music major.  The piece, last performed by the Women’s World Music Choir at the Indiana Music Educators Association (IMEA) conference in Fort Wayne this winter, features lyrics in Arabic.

The night will wrap up with all choir groups joining together for a traditional send-off song and a celebration for all choir members who are graduating. In keeping with the music department’s tradition, each graduating student will be presented with a daffodil and an egg music shaker.

“With over twenty seniors leaving us this year, I realize how much leadership they have provided the choirs,” said Brubaker. “We bless them as they go forward.”

Earthtones tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors/students and free for GC faculty/staff/students with an ID. They can be purchased online at http://www.goshen.edu/tickets or by calling (574) 535-7566.