Singers from three different Chorale ensembles are hard at work preparing this year's Bridges concert: our Minneapolis Youth Chorus, the new Voices of Experience, and members of the Chorale itself. They all come together on Sunday, Nov. 21 at 3 p.m., at Westwood Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park for Sing On! -- the 16th edition of the Chorale's trailblazing community engagement program. Four generations of singers, from children to great-grandparents, will sing music by Brahms, Mozart, and Paulus, along with family favorites from folk traditions around the world.

Also featured: the public premiere of Steve Heitzeg's "I Pray to the Birds," a setting of a poem by acclaimed nature writer Terry Tempest Williams, who will read from her work during the performance.

Tickets are going fast, so call the Chorale now at 612.455.2100 to be sure you'll get a seat. $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, students, and MPR members, and free for kids 12 and under. See you on the 21st!

On Tuesday, Nov. 16, the Minnesota Chorale takes part in the second annual Give to the Max day, an initiative designed to provide support to Minnesota nonprofits via online donations.

Last year, friends of the Chorale contributed over $16,000. Look for a reminder as the date approaches--and thanks in advance for your continued support of our artistic and educational endeavors. You keep us singing!

Circle the date: Sunday, December 5. It's our annual Messiah Sing-Along at St. Olaf Catholic Church in downtown Minneapolis. Led by our own Kathy Saltzman Romey and accompanied by St. Olaf organist and music director Lynn Trapp, this popular event kicks off a week devoted to Handel's beloved oratorio; concert performances with the Minnesota Orchestra led by Osmo Vänskä begin on Wednesday, Dec. 8. The sing-along is unticketed; a free-will offering will be taken. Tickets for the concert performances are available from the Orchestra Hall box office at 612.371.5656.