Last December they gave you

Handel's "Messiah." Next month they'll give you Vivaldi's "Gloria."

Who? A group of music lovers,

musicians and singers from churches all over the south metro area, brought

together in classical style by Claire Stroud, director of music for the

past 17 years at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Peachtree City. Her ecumenical

chorus will perform "Gloria" Saturday, Feb. 17, at 8 p.m in

the sanctuary of Holy Trinity.

"Claire does this about

once a year," said Julie Rushin, a member of Holy Trinity. "'Gloria'

is a beautiful selection, done entirely in Latin. It's a triumphant hymn

of praise, which is part of the Mass liturgy."

The classical piece was written

della Pieta, a girls' school in Venice, Italy. It was first performed

at the church of the Pieta.

The ecumenical chorus is Stroud's

creation and is made up of about 50 members from various churches in Clayton,

Fayette, Coweta, South Fulton and Spalding counties. The chorus has been

performing for several years.

Each year, Stroud sends out

flyers to churches all over the south metro area, seeking members for

her group. No auditions are required, but all who apply are usually members

of their own church choirs. Sometimes professional soloists perform with

the group, but most who participate are amateurs who just love to sing.

Practice begins several months

to several weeks before a performance, depending on the degree of difficulty

of the piece. On the evening of the event, each chorus member wears the

choir robe from his or her own church, displaying a rainbow of colors,

but raising one voice in praise.

February's performance of "Gloria"

will be accompanied by the Fayette Chamber Orchestra with organ, and will

be directed by Stroud.

A reception in Loreto Hall

at Holy Trinity will follow the 8 p.m. performance. The concert is free

and open to the public. A nursery will be available.

For information on the chorus

or the February performance of Vivaldi's "Gloria," call Holy

Trinity Catholic Church at 770-487-7672, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

The church is on the corner

of Ga. Highway 54 and Walt Banks Road in Peachtree City.