The University of the Ozarks music program will embark on its first week-long regional choral tour in almost a decade this spring when it presents six concerts in Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma.

The University’s Chamber Singers will present a preview of the tour with the annual Spring Concert at 7 p.m., April 27, in Munger-Wilson Memorial Chapel. The Chamber Singers hit the road from May 14-19 with concerts in three states.

Choral Director Dr. Jonathan Ledger said the theme of the tour is “Dona nobis pacem,” which translates to “Grant us peace.”

“This is a weighty and poignant musical statement given our turbulent and troubled world today,” Ledger said. “The first half of the tour program will feature musical depictions of and reflections on various types of war, atrocities, and injustices throughout world history. The second half will feature selections that offer prayers of hope for a better world and a better tomorrow, and above all a prayer for peace.”

The first stop of the tour is a May 14 performance at the 11 a.m. worship service at First Presbyterian Church in Clarksville, followed by a same-day evening performance at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Hot Springs, Ark.

The tour continues on May 15 with a 7 p.m. concert at First Presbyterian Church in Arkadelphia, Ark. On Tuesday, May 16, the Chamber Singers will perform at 7 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Arlington, Texas.

After a free day at Six Flags amusement park, the ensemble will perform on May 18 at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Poteau, Okla. The tour will conclude on May 19 with a 3 p.m. afternoon concert at the Presbyterian Church of Bella Vista, Ark.

Ledger and his students will also conduct recruitment clinics at several high schools during the tour.

“This tour will play an important role in strengthening our relationships with alumni, donors, churches, and potential students,” Ledger said. “Resuming an annual tour will be just the first of many steps that we will take to grow and strengthen our music and choral programs.”

Among the musical selections that will be performed include, Dona nobis pacem (Gregorian chant); Dona nobis pacem by Caroline Mallonée; Hope There Is by Clare Maclean; Prayer of the Children, arranged by Andrea S. Klouse; Horizons, arranged by Peter Louis Van Dijk; O Vos Omnes by Pablo Casals; Lacrymosa, from Requiem by W. A. Mozart; Kyrie for the Magdalene by Hans Zimmer and arranged by Jonathan Ledger; Soon Ah Will Be Done, arranged by William Dawson; MLK, arranged by Bob Chilcott; Sure On This Shining Night by Z. Randall Stroope; Prayer of St. Francis by Allen Pote; A Song of Peace by Jean Sebelius and arranged by Johnnie Carl; Dona nobis pacem, from Mass in B Minor by J. S. Bach; and The Lord Bless You and Keep You by Peter C. Lutkin.

All of the concerts are free and open to the public.