The regional choral ensemble VOCE will perform the first concert in the new Sandy Beam Memorial Masterwork Series Sunday at 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church.

The concert will feature Faure’s Requiem in d minor, conducted by Mark Daniel Merritt, and assisted by Tony Robertson, organist, Lydia Coyner Harrelson, soprano and Joshua Whitt, baritone, and a chamber orchestra. The choral selections include “Laudate Dominum” from Mozart’s Solemn Vespers, featuring Lydia Coyner Harrelson as soloist and accompanied by a string ensemble. On the program are several sacred selections, spirituals, and VOCE’s signature song, To Love Our God. Two organ works will be performed by guest organist Tony Robertson, who is the organist at Elkin First Baptist Church.

Mount Airy’s VOCE is a choral ensemble comprised of local talent from in and around Surry County and southern Virginia, with ages ranging from high school to senior citizens. Many are music professionals or trained vocalists. Mark Merritt has taken the baton as director of VOCE to continue the group’s founder, Sandy Beam’s desire for every person in the community to experience choral music. VOCE, since its inception in 2002, has dedicated itself to performance works for the education and enjoyment of the community.

There is no admission charge for this concert. The First Baptist Church is located at 714 North Main Street.