by April Helms

Special Products Editor

Concert-goers who filled the First Congregational Church to hear the Hudson Community Chorus' 20th anniversary concert April 12 were treated to a program covering more than 400 years of musical evolution.

The theme of the evening was "From Bach to Rock," and the chorus, lead by music director Jason Lorenzon, performed repertoire ranging from the classic greats such as Bach, Handel and Beethoven, to modern-day pieces such as Sinatra, the Beatles and M.C. Hammer.

Yes, that M.C. Hammer -- the rap star who was popular in the early 90s.

Solos were performed by soprano Judith Overcash and tenor Pat McCoy. The chorus was accompanied by Kimi Nosé on piano. Radio personality Michelle Maloney served as narrator, giving anecdotes on the various composers and the music in between numbers.

The audience gave the chorus a standing ovation at the end of the concert, and the chorus obliged with an encore number.

"I thought it was absolutely fantastic," said Kathy Brenner of Parma Heights. "I really liked the 'Gloria.' I've been to South America and have heard music like that."

"Gloria" from Ariel Ramirez' "Missa Criolla" seemed to be an audience favorite.

"The Spanish piece was a standout," agreed Andrea Brenner of Hudson, whose husband Ray sings bass with the chorus. "I loved the organ piece [Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor]. Jason was fabulous."

"The singers were great," said Julia Brenner, 4, Andrea and Ray's daughter.

Lorenzon, who was director of the chorus from 1999 to 2001, and came back in 2005, said he was happy with the concert. He added that he aimed to promote choral music to the public.

"There is a lack of interest in the choral arts in the schools," he said. "There are a lot of music options right now, with the radio, and downloading on the Internet and the i-Pod. But there is just something about hearing music live in a concert hall."

Jim Robb, a chorus member for eight years, said this was a different kind of concert for the Hudson Community Chorus.

"I thought it was wonderful," said Robb, who sings bass. "It was different, because we usually do heavier music. Tonight's music was lighter. It went very well. The last number [Dance Evolution medley] was the most fun, but it was also the most difficult. We rehearsed that a lot."

The Hudson Community Chorus rehearses Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church in Hudson. For details on the chorus, call Pat McCoy at 330-342-4488.

E-mail: ahelms@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3153