River City Men’s Chorus returns to form with trio of concerts

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, The River City Men’s Chorus (RCMC) performed three concerts mid-May at Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock aptly titled “Together Again!”

The hourlong concert included songs of all kinds: inspirational, humorous, upbeat, sacred, and international. Favorite selections were “What a Wonderful World” and “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.” Each was performed to a responsive audience, who was excited to hear the talented group perform again publicly.

Photo by Rebecca Wilson

Bound by a love of music, the male choral company of around 60 members enjoys a camaraderie known to few groups. “The men of the chorus work towards the common goal of providing excellence in musical experiences to the Central Arkansas community, always free of charge,” said Conductor/Artistic Director David A. Glaze.

Rachel Lipsey played the flute and piccolo, Max Campbell accompanied on bass, and Brandon Brockinton kept the beat on percussion. Glaze accompanied each song on piano. Several soloists with beautiful voices were also featured.

In December 2002, Glaze started the chorus with 35 men who performed a concert of holiday works to a full house. Encouraged by the audience’s enthusiastic reception, a board of directors and a nonprofit organization were formed, and the RCMC was founded. Beginning with the first full season in 2003-04, each of the three seasonal concerts was performed only once. Because they experienced consistent overflow crowds, the chorus began adding performances, and now three performances are offered every season.

The chorus has enjoyed two concert tours of Europe, including singing in a mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, and was selected to sing in the American Choral Directors Association Southwest Division’s 2014 conference.

Concerts are recorded and sold for a nominal price. Beginning in the fall, the concerts will be offered on USB thumb drives. Past concert recordings are available on CD. Donations are appreciated, and the volunteer-based organization is always looking for singers, volunteers, board and audience members. If interested, email [email protected]