The New York Choral Society has announced its return to live performance with “Love in Action.”

The performance on April 2 will be held at the New York Society for Ethical Culture and it will be a concert of choral music that brings together the work of eight contemporary American composers who explore universal themes of resilience, action and love. The evening will feature the Catalyst Quartet, Soprano Chantal Freeman, Mezzo-soprano Miastasha Gonzalez-Colón, Tenor Bernard Holcomb, and Baritone Marcus DeLoach.

The concert features performances of choral works created by American composers within the past 25 years including “The Hope of Loving” by Jake Runestad, “Bar xizam (Upward, I Rise)” by Abbie Betinis, “Sure on This Shining Night” by Morten Lauridsen, “My Heart Be Brave” by Marques L. A. Garrett, “I Dream A World” by Rosephanye Powell, “Healing Heart” by Jacob Narverud, and “There Will Be Rest” by Frank Ticheli. The concert will close with Jennifer Higdon’s “Amazing Grace.”

In an official press statement, Music Director David Hayes noted, “Over the last two years, the power of love in action was everywhere. We saw so much kindness, learned more about community and witnessed the depth of perseverance, strength, patience, and love,” he continues. “Even when joy seemed far away, it was always just around the corner. Throughout this period of sacrifice and loss we continued to be hopeful and loving. All of us were called to action – as front-line workers, giving voice to social injustices, or simply caring for friends and neighbors. And in doing so, we saw the power and grace of love in action. Let us finally gather, let us finally sing, and let us continue to find new ways to serve one another in the days to come.” Hayes adds “There is no better way to celebrate our return to the stage than with the voices of those who worked tirelessly and fearlessly during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are honored to share our stage with these heroes to celebrate the everyday greatness of love in action and to celebrate the caring and resilient spirit of New York.”