The Shepherd University Chamber Singers, Men’s Choir, Women’s Camerata, Jazz Octet, and Concert Choir will present “In the Beginning” on Friday, Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. at the St. James Catholic Church, 49 Crosswinds Drive, Charles Town.

The concert will feature Aaron Copland’s a cappella work “In the Beginning” with special guest Melanie Regan singing the mezzo-soprano solo. This work is a word-for-word setting of the opening of the King James version of the Book of Genesis, through Chapter 2, Verse 7, capturing the majesty of the story of the creation of the universe.

The Chamber Singers is a mostly a cappella ensemble, concentrating in masterpieces of the 20th century. The ensemble is made up of between 20 and 24 students each year. While most of the members are vocal majors, other music majors and students from around the campus are welcome to audition. Shepherd University’s Women’s Camerata is an ensemble of 30-35 female singers, comprised of voice majors, music majors, and many students from other disciplines. The Men’s Choir, under the direction of Dr. Robert Tudor, is an ensemble of 12-15 male voices singing jazz, doo-wop, barbershop, and classical male choir literature.