The Arlington Master Chorale will honor the City of Arlington’s 150th anniversary with “Treasures of the Heart,” a two‑night concert series set for Oct. 15 and 16 at First Baptist Church Arlington, located at 301 S. Center St. Both performances begin at 7 p.m. and will feature nearly 100 singers from across the Metroplex.
The concerts center around a commissioned work by acclaimed composer Laura Farnell, an Arlington resident known nationwide for her choral compositions. The new piece, titled “Psalm 150,” was created exclusively for the city’s milestone celebration and is proudly underwritten by the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation.
Artistic Director Kay Owens said collaborating with Farnell has been a rewarding experience shaped by months of creative exchange.
“Anytime you get to work on a commissioned piece it becomes a journey,” Owens said. “You share ideas with the composer on how to present it, what tempo to consider, the difficulty level and how it fits the choir. It’s a fun process.”
The commissioned piece features text in English and Latin as well as elements of Psalm 150 from the Bible.
“I’ve known Laura for more than 30 years,” Owens said. “She is one of the most sought out composers in the United States and she lives right here in Arlington. She is very Arlington, which is a compliment. She is invested in the community and wants to help it thrive. When I asked her to join us on this journey she graciously accepted.”
Owens believes its quality ensures it will find life beyond the anniversary celebration.
“It is a piece that can be picked up, published and distributed worldwide. It can have a life long after the dedication of Arlington’s 150th anniversary,” she said.
Both concerts will also spotlight young musicians from Arlington ISD. Students from Bailey Junior High will perform Thursday and students from Boles Junior High will perform Friday. Owens said supporting local students is part of the Chorale’s mission.
“We provide a platform for students at every concert and guest composers visit classrooms to teach the importance of music,” she said. “The Chorale covers that cost because investing in young musicians matters.”
Owens said the opportunity to contribute to Arlington’s historic moment is deeply personal.
“I have lived here for more than 30 years and spent nearly all that time teaching in Arlington ISD,” she said. “When you are a good teacher, you buy in to the community and the kids. To stand on this stage and conduct a piece written for the city’s anniversary is a thrill. Our choir is diverse like the fabric of Arlington. For members who grew up here it means a great deal. For younger singers, it teaches them what it means to be part of history. That is the educator in me.”
“I have been here all my life,” said marketing director Cathy Hyde. “I was born at the city’s original hospital, Arlington Memorial. To represent my hometown on this stage is so special. It also showcases the Arlington Master Chorale’s rebranding efforts to position ourselves back in a prominent role in the community as we are Arlington’s Vocal Legacy and have been since 1973.”
Individual tickets purchased online are $18. Tickets at the door are $20 with cash and credit cards accepted. Students and children are admitted free and adults who are students must present a valid school ID.
More information about ticket pricing and the Arlington Master Chorale’s 2026‑27 season is available on the organization’s website.