Sea Chanters Concert at Palace Theatre Sells Out

The Marion Palace Theatre says they have sold out of free tickets for The Navy Band Sea Chanters concert taking place Monday, March 5 at 7:30pm. Even so, there is an opportunity for people to get last minute tickets.

Approximately 15 minutes prior to the concert, if seats are unclaimed, patrons without tickets will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested in seeing if seats become available may come to the theatre that Monday evening where a waiting area will be available in the May Pavilion beginning at 7:00pm.

“The response to this opportunity has been overwhelming,” says Executive Director Bev Ford.  “The Marion community’s support of this show has been great.  People are definitely looking forward to hearing this top-notch choral group.”

The ensemble performs a variety of music ranging from traditional choral music, including sea chanteys and patriotic fare, to opera, Broadway, and contemporary music.  Under the leadership of Senior Chief Musician Georgina L. Todd, the Sea Chanters perform for the public throughout the United States.

They have appeared at the Kennedy Center Honors and with the National Symphony Orchestra for the nationally telecast "National Memorial Day Concerts" at the U.S. Capitol.  In addition the group has appeared on "Larry King Live" and "CBS This Morning" as well as at the premier of the movie “Pearl Harbor”.

When at home in Washington, D.C., they perform for the President, Vice President and numerous congressional, military and foreign dignitaries.

In 1956, Lt. Harold Fultz, then the band's assistant leader, organized a group from the Navy School of Music to sing chanteys and patriotic songs for the State of the Nation dinner.  An immediate success, Admiral Arleigh Burke, then Chief of Naval Operations, transferred them to the Navy Band, named them the Sea Chanters and tasked this all-male chorus with perpetuating the songs of the sea.  In 1980, the group added women to their ranks and expanded their repertoire to include everything from Brahms to Broadway.

The Sea Chanters are frequently found at the center of our most important national events, including Inauguration Day, 2009.  They have played a vital role in comforting the nation in times of mourning, including appearances at memorials for the astronauts of the space shuttle Columbia and the presidential wreath laying ceremony at the United Airlines flight 93 crash site in Shanksville, Pa.  Their performance of "Amazing Grace" for the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance at the National Cathedral in Washington after the events of 9/11 inspired all in attendance as well as a national television audience.

For further information on any shows or tickets please call the box office at 740-383-2101 or visit online at www.marionpalace.org.  The Marion Community Credit Union, Buckeye Country 94.3 FM, 1490 WMRN-AM, and The Marion Star sponsor this free concert.