Liberte Ensemble began as a select group of female vocalists started by the late Grayson Peters to compliment the men's vocal group Monticello Singers.
Since then Liberte has branched out on its own and perform twice a year. It is the only women's vocal group in this area to perform classical and contemporary choral music. The group will perform Sunday in Jefferson City.
The group is composed of Alexis Beach, Pam Cain, Marie Duggan, Jana Fox, Brenda Haugen, Sue Logston, Melinda Peak, Lynn Peters, Ruth Robertson, Robin Beach Steinhouse, Kristin Van De Velde and Myra Rosskopf Wolfe.
The theme for their last concert of the year is love - romantic, brotherly and love of God.
The group is performing an original work by local musician Robert Mitchell titled "In Memorium." Local musician Robertson is performing her original composition "Our Love."
Mitchell is a composer, pianist and conductor and was a teacher at Lincoln University for 42 years. He was appointed director of choirs at the university and founded a group called Lincoln University Vocal Ensemble-LUVE. His compositions have been performed by colleagues and former students throughout the country.
Robertson came to Jefferson City 20 years ago to teach voice at Lincoln University. She has composed a cantata, and after retirement plans to polish it and work on a drawer-full of unfinished anthems and songs.
According to director Carol Beach, the concert will contain some light and humorous numbers and some that are more serious.
Several songs that audiences might recognize are "What'll I Do?" from the World War II era and "Grace" by Mark Hayes based on "Amazing Grace."
The group is also performing a couple of madrigal numbers. These are English in nature and are folk tunes from the early era. One is titled "Now Is the Month of Maying."
Guest violinist is Johanna Hobratschk who will accompany several songs and the group's pianist is Gretchen Huedepohl, music director at First Christian Church.
At a glance
What: Liberte Concert
When: 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: First Christian Church, 327 E. Capitol Ave., Jefferson City
Cost: No admission price. Donations accepted to help with expenses for the group.