POTTSTOWN PA – Songs about history and the fabric of the nation will be offered for public enjoyment during a Coventry Singers spring concert, scheduled for May 3 (2026; Sunday) beginning at 3 p.m. at Cedarville United Methodist Church, 1092 Laurelwood Rd.
The program, titled “The Coventry Singers Celebrates America 250,” is free to attend and open to the public. Free will offerings will be gratefully accepted. The concert includes:
- The Battle Hymn of the Republic, written by Julia Ward Howe in 1850;
- God Bless America, written by Irving Berlin in 1918 at the end of World War I;
- America the Beautiful, written by Katharine Lee Bates in 1910;
- Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor, written by Irving Berlin in 1918; and
- The Star-Spangled Banner, with words by Francis Scott Key in 1814 as he witnessed the American flag still flying over Fort McHenry during the war of 1812, and music by John Stanford Smith.
The Coventry Singers is a community choral organization of auditioned singers who perform diverse and challenging choral music. During its 50-year history, the group has performed major choral works, including those of Handel, Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Rutter, Finzi and Faure.
The singers’ concert programs also include lighter works, both sacred and secular, with a frequent dose of humor. The number of performers range from 30-40, and include people of all walks of life. Some have professional musical experience; some are or have been teachers of music. Many are people who love to sing and welcome musical challenges.
For Fun and Love of Music
Director Cheryl Markofski is again leading Coventry Singers as its musical director. She is a graduate of Florida State University with a master of music degree, and has done graduate work in voice performance at the University of Texas. Markofski taught music at Owen J. Roberts Middle School, and also is a noted soloist and voice coach.
Accompanist Eleanor Lundy again accompanies the singers. Lundy began playing piano by ear in early childhood. She has taught piano, and served churches in New England and eastern Pennsylvania for many years as a choir director and organist. She is a graduate of Rosemont College.
Coventry Singers are people who come together for the fun and love of music and singing. It is “always ready to welcome new voices,” Markofski adds. Anyone interested in joining should see its Facebook page; auditions will be held in September.
Graphic provided by The Coventry Singers
Our entertainment reporting covers the arts and culture, shows, exhibits, performances, festivals, and community-related activities within, or that affect residents of, Montgomery, Berks, and Chester PA counties. Find more entertainment articles here. Also, see and join the Pottstown Arts and Cultural Alliance group on Facebook.
Kelsey’s Klubhouse, A Space for Youth, Opens in June