A concert of sacred and secular music will be presented Saturday, Mar. 21, at 7:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples.

The production will feature the Staples Area Men's and Women's choruses, the Staples Motley High School (SMHS) 11th and 12th grade orchestra and the SMHS A Cappella Choir.

"Our community is very fortunate to have such established musical organizations making it possible to offer productions of this magnitude," said Steve Hoemberg, SMHS choir director. "As musicians, we feel honored to have the support of hundreds of concert-goers. Their attendance at events like this not only provides the economic engine to make it all possible, but also provides the necessary personal connection needed for performers to bring notes and rhythms to life. As they say, 'you are the glue that keeps it all connected.' "

This is the major work concert traditionally perfomed every two years by the community choruses. New this year is the location at Sacred Heart Church.

"It is not uncommon for our community choruses to perform in this venue, but it is the first time doing

a major work concert

there," Hoemberg said. "The church is one of the

most beautiful places to make choral music in our state. However, the logistics of this concert - full orchestra, 120 singers and a large audience - are significant challenges. Yet, I think the beauty of the music in that space will make it all worth while."

As with the Community Christmas Concert last December, adjustments to ticket prices and format have been made for this concert.

"Times are tough, and families are definitely cutting

back on entertainment

spending." said Hoemberg. "Our ticket prices are

roughly the cost of going to a movie - a little more for adults, but a little less for students. We are also offering a family ticket price, hoping this will increase affordability for larger families"

The concert will begin with each choir performing several selections on their own, followed by the combined performance of Gabriel Faure's "Requiem," which is new to the Staples Motley music community. The concert should last approximately 1-1/2 hours.

Tickets are available from chorus members, at Staples Auto Sales, Staples Wireless, or by calling the Centennial Auditorium Box Office at 218-894-5416 or 800-213-6877.