Singers passionate about singing great choral music and interested in bringing the message of Easter to the Sturgis community began rehearsals on Sunday, February 11th for the 15th Annual Sturgis Area Easter Cantata. With nearly 60 singers, this is an opportunity for many singers to enjoy choral singing at its best.

The 2024 cantata is entitled The Power of the Cross by Mark Hayes, a well-known Christian composer/arranger from Kansas City, Missouri. Hayes’ music, totaling over 1,500 published works, is found in music libraries around the world. The piece takes the listener through the momentous events with Christ as He moved to the cross. The beautiful work combines Hayes’ original music with contemporary tunes and traditional hymns. It is a truly compelling work for Eastertime.

Directed by Marlene Kotab and narrated by Randy Bender, rehearsals are held every Sunday during the Lenten season with performances during Holy Week. The two free performances, sponsored by the Sturgis Area Arts Council, will be Palm Sunday, March 24 and Tuesday, March 26, at 7:00 pm. at Grace Lutheran Church, 1061 Sherman Street in Sturgis. A fellowship hour will follow each performance.