3rd Annual Community Hymn Sing Set For 4/5 At Schermerhorn

The third annual Community Hymn Sing featuring the Nashville Symphony and the Nashville Choir, along with gospel and contemporary Christian music stars Heather Headley, Jars of Clay, Phil Keaggy and Wintley Phipps, is set for Sunday, April 5th at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

Far from being a typical musical performance, this unique event invites the audience to be part of the musical experience. Everyone is encouraged to sing along to a selection of beloved hymns, and the lyrics will be provided in a special commemorative hymnal that audience members can take home with them.

For event producer Billy Ray Hearn, chairman of the Sparrow Foundation and EMI Christian Music Group, it's all about participation: "We have some special guests lined up, but part of what they'll be doing is leading the congregation in singing along with the hymns - I don't like to say ‘audience,' because everyone who comes is a participant in the program."

The diversity of the guest performers offers a good indication of the Community Hymn Sing's come-one, come-all feel. A veteran performer on Broadway, where she starred in the Elton John-Tim Rice musicals The Lion King and Aida, the Trinidad-born Headley is blessed with an astonishing voice and has collaborated with such artists as the famed Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. Jars of Clay are a mainstay with fans of contemporary Christian pop-rock, and Keaggy is a gifted guitarist and singer-songwriter whose music has a cross-genre appeal. The performances will include musical accompaniment from the Nashville Symphony as well as plenty of opportunities for everyone to raise their voices together on several a cappella selections.

Tickets start at just $12.50 and can be purchased by calling the Symphony Center Box Office at 615.687.6400 or by going on-line to nashvillesymphony.org.