Choir of the West making two Washington stops

The fabled Choir of the West makes a swing through the area later on this month, providing a great opportunity for music lovers to be inspired.

The repertoire is far-reaching, but opens with a stirring double-chorus setting of Martin Luther's hymn, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God." Luthuanian composer Vytautas Miskinis and German composer Gottfried Homilius are featured, along with American works by Eric Whitacre and Adolphus Hailstork.

Richard Nance, pictured, a Pacific Lutheran University professor of music, will conduct.

The two concerts in Washington include one at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, at Ballard First Lutheran Church in Seattle, and then at 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, at Lagerquist Hall at PLU. No reservations are necessary, and the cost to attend is minimal.