North Idaho College will present the "Lift Every Voice and Sing" choral concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at CDA First Presbyterian Church, 521 Lakeside, Coeur d'Alene.

The NIC Cardinal Chorale and Chamber Singers will present a program of uplifting, inspirational and innovative music that celebrates the human voice and the complex interaction of the choral ensemble. This concert is also to raise awareness about the need for music scholarships and celebrates the many outstanding student musicians for NIC's music department.

The Cardinal Chorale will perform music that focuses on the power of singing. "Lift Every Voice and Sing," a hymn by John Rosamond Johnson is a song of empowerment and opens the concert. "Brainstorm," by David Brunner, examines the power and excitement of creativity. "How Can I Keep from Singing," a well-known hymn, arranged by David Schwoebel, features Katie Eppenstein on clarinet.

The NIC Chamber Singers will perform a diverse program. While their first set of music focuses on sacred music, both old and modern, their second set ranges from the music of Brazil to that of James Taylor. Lodovoco Viadana's "Exsultate justi," Franz Biebl's "Ave Maria," and an arrangement of James Taylor's "That Lonesome Road" are some of the works featured on this program.

North Idaho College Cardinal Chorale consists of singers from across campus and community. They perform regularly on the Schuler stage and in area churches. This ensemble has collaborated with the Coeur d'Alene Symphony and Northwest Sacred Music Chorale and recently collaborated with composer Tim Sharp to perform his "High Lonesome Mass" in Coeur d'Alene. In May 2015, members of this choir will travel to New York City to be a part of the Carnegie Hall debut of "High Lonesome Mass."

NIC's Chamber Singers have traveled to Mexico and San Francisco to perform for enthusiastic audiences. Their repertoire spans from early chant to a cappella arrangements of modern songs.

All of the choral ensembles are under the direction of Max Mendez. Celebrating his 10th year at NIC, Mendez has taken choirs to Mexico City, San Francisco, Seattle and Spokane to perform in concerts and festivals. Mendez is a sought after clinician, conductor and adjudicator throughout the Northwest region.

The concert is free and open to the public.

Information: (208) 769-3275 or www.nic.edu/events