FARMINGTON – The University of Maine at Farmington Community Chorus will present its spring program, “A Celebration in Music,” at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 2, and at 3 p.m., Sunday, May 3, at the Old South Church.

Students, faculty and staff will come together with community members, under the direction of Bruce McInnes, to celebrate noteworthy anniversaries for renowned composers.

The concert will open with the celebratory chorus “The Heaven’s Are Telling” from “The Creation,” in observance of the 200th anniversary of the death of Franz Josef Haydn. Marking the 350th anniversary of Henry Purcell’s birth, the chamber choir will sing two of his verse anthems: “Rejoice in the Lord Always” and “Lord, How Long Wilt Thou be Angry.”

Some of the less familiar “Messiah” choruses will be performed in memory of the death of George Frideric Handel, with tenor Daniel Woodward as the soloist in the recitative. This will be followed by the motet “Hear My Prayer,” with soloists Laura Grams and Jane Parker, to honor the 200th anniversary of the birth of Felix Mendelsohn.

The program will close with four spirituals: “Elijah Rock,” arranged by Jester Hairston; “Little Innocent Lamb,” arranged by Marshall Bartholomew; “Soon I Will Be Done,” arranged by William Dawson; and “Sweet Home,” arranged by Wendell Whalum, with soprano Lisl Fuson as soloist. Patricia Hayden will provide organ and piano accompaniment for the program.

Tickets, $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, are sold at Mickey’s Hallmark and at the door. FMI, call 778-7072 or e-mail robin.palmermosher@maine.edu.