St. Charles Singers will present the world premiere of Sir John Rutter’s “Dancing Tree” for choir and harp as part of its final concert of the 2024-25 season.

The program, titled “The Passing of the Year,” will take place on April 12 and 13, 2025 at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church in St. Charles, Illinois. Jeffrey Hunt, the founder and music director of the ensemble, will lead the performance.

“‘Dancing Tree’ will resonate with a wide audience, including choral connoisseurs and listeners new to the choral world,” Hunt said per an official press release. “The music is quintessential John Rutter. It reflects his own heartfelt connection to nature and admiration for English folk music.

Soloists for the performance include Michelle Areyzaga, a former member of the choir, and Evan Bravos, making his debut with the choir and a past recipient of the organization’s scholarship for graduating high school students. Areyzaga will perform Leighton’s “A Hymn of the Nativity.” The harp soloist will be Erin Freund.

Also on the program are Fauré’s “Cantique de Jean Racine,” “Psalm 121” from Howell’s “Requiem,” and Runestad’s “Cello Songs.” Finally, the program is rounded out by “The Passing of the Year” by Jonathan Dove.

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