WILMINGTON — Cantabile members invite the community to join them for an evening of “Songs of Hope and Peace” this Sunday, March 27 at 7 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Wilmington.

“Coming together at this time, and with this particular musical message, was almost instinctive for many of our members,” said Seth Parshall, director.

“I’m proud of the band for working hard to get this night out for the community so quickly,” added Parshall.

Although the band have only rehearsed together twice since a holiday gig in December, they are solid musicians who share a deep catalog of pieces they were already familiar with.

The concert will include solos and choral pieces, interspersed with short readings.

“The source of some of the readings may surprise the audience,” Parshall said, “but they are all about peace and hope in one way or another.”

Soloists include Jennifer Burgess, Pat Ilg, Matt Purkey, Bekah Muchmore Wall, Sue Reynolds and Mary Rizzardi. The group will be accompanied by Karen Miller.

The concert is free, with seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Wilmington United Methodist Church is located downtown at 50 East Locust Street.

Cantabile was created in 2013 by the late Steven Haines. Cantabile (pronounced kaan-taa-bee-lay, from the Italian musical term meaning “in a soft singing style”) is a gathering of voices from across Clinton County and beyond who have come together for the sole purpose of making music together.

Seth Parshall, standing right, conducts the Cantabile choir during the March 20 rehearsal. Standing at left are Bekah Muchmore Wall and Matt Purkey.

Cantabile will present “Songs of Hope and Peace”