“Sonora Sings Classical,” a Tuolumne-County-based organization supporting classical choral music, will be holding its second event on Sunday, March 18 at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary of St. James Episcopal Church, 42 Snell St., Sonora. The event will feature the reading of “classics” from the choral-music heritage by the audience and accompanied by piano. Composers to be featured include Mozart, Haydn, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Lauridsen and others. Retired Columbia College professor of music, John Carter, will lead the singers with pianists Dorothy Arndt, Diane Day and Gail Johnson. Those not wishing to sing are invited to attend and listen. There is no charge for admission but a freewill offering will be taken for the accompanists. For more information, email sonorasingsclassical@gmail.com.

The event will feature some of the finest choral music ever written. The pieces, covering the Renaissance through the Modern Era, will feature the audience of singers reading through many favorites accompanied by piano. Begun as an idea of Groveland resident, Barbara Broad, the event is a chance for singers to sing through music without extensive rehearsal.

“This event is a wonderful chance to sing some of the most beautiful and thrilling music ever written for choirs,” said Broad. “We wanted to design an event that gave the music a chance to be enjoyed by community singers and by those who just want to listen.”

Music will be provided for the singers. After a brief introduction of each piece, the audience will read through the piece and then move on to the next piece.

The afternoon will consist of 21 pieces representing composers of all the historical eras. Board member and conductor for the afternoon, John Carter, said “We tried to pick some music that was familiar to experienced choral singers, some music that was relatively easy for some singers, but overall music that is inspiring to sing and music that represents masterpieces worth perpetuating.”

Sonora Sings Classical is a relatively new organization formed to encourage the singing of Classical Choral Music in the Central Mother Lode. More information about the event or the organization can be gained by emailing sonorasingsclassical@gmail.com.