Voices will be raised for peace

The Shrewsbury Chorale, with the Garden State Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus, will join singers worldwide in the Song of Peace project when it presents Haydn's "Lord Nelson Mass (Mass in Time of War)" at Freehold Presbyterian Church on March 8. The Shrewsbury Chorale is proud to be the first New Jersey choral group to register as a participant in this international project that seeks to use music to plead for peace.

Music has the power to inspire and move hearts. It can warn and lament as well. The project seeks to create an international appeal for peace by singing the centuries-old prayer for peace, "Dona Nobis Pacem" (Grant Us Peace) or any musical call for peace in any language.

This project seeks to bring thousands- or perhaps millions- of voices together to proclaimloudly that peace in the world is of fundamental importance, during the month that marks the fifth anniversary of the U.S. entering Iraq.

The campaign is not focused solely on Iraq, but is dedicated to people all over the world affected by violence. The hope is that with the uplifting of many voices in songs of peace, the spirit of human harmony might pervade and surround a violent, warfilled world.

Formore information, about the Shrewsbury Chorale concert, call (732) 776-5276 or visit www.shrewsburychorale.org.