Two Rugby natives will perform in New York City with the Master Chorale of Fargo-Moorhead in A Concert of Commemoration, Honoring the 10th Anniversary of September 11.

Ruth Ann Halls and Sonja (Smith) Myhre, members of the group, will perform Rene Clausen’s “Memorial” on Sunday, September 11 at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall. Clausen, Associate Professor of Music at Concordia College in Moorhead, has served as conductor of the Concordia Choir since 1986 and became Director of Music for the Master Chorale in 2010. He was commissioned to compose “Memorial” in 2002, and will be the guest conductor for the performance.

Chorale members will fly to New York City on September eighth and will be part of a mass choir composed of singers from all across the country. Most of their time will be spent in rehearsal but there will also be time for sightseeing. Members of the Chorale are expected to pay their own expenses, including airfare, according to Ruth Ann. Tax deductible donations to the Master Chorale are also being accepted.

Sonja, a second soprano, and Ruth Ann, who sings second alto, graduated from Rugby High School where they were very active in music. They also participated in Village Arts musical productions. “We even shared a music folder when we sang in the choir at First Lutheran,” Ruth Ann said with a laugh.

Both have an appreciation for the opportunity they have been given.

“I think it’s quite an honor,” Sonja said. “It will be amazing to be there (in New York City) at that time.”

Ruth Ann agrees. “It’s a neat thing to be a part of, and it will be an emotional weekend.”

The concert will not be broadcast live, but will be recorded by the BBC for later release.