The Alcorn State University concert choir will perform a Lenten-themed oratorio in Vicksburg Thursday.

“The Crucifixion: A Meditation on the Sacred Passion of the Holy Redeemer,” composed by Sir John Stainer in 1887, will be performed at Christ Episcopal Church on Main Street.

“The performance is an offering to the community, and all are invited,” said the Rev. Sam Godfrey, rector of Christ Church.

In bringing the message of “Crucifixion” just prior to Holy Week, the church hopes to make the days leading to Easter more meaningful to those who are able to attend, Godfrey said.

Most Christians will celebrate Palm Sunday April 1 and Easter April 8.

ASU concert choir director Donna Shaffer said “Crucifixion” is “very powerful and very moving.”

“When we performed it in Port Gibson, I had several people come up to me in tears afterwards saying, ‘I can’t tell you what this has meant to my Easter season,’” Shaffer said. “It gives you a chance to meditate on the humanity of Jesus and on our own human condition and how to better ourselves, and that’s an important part of Lent.”

The ASU men’s chorale, directed by Charles Wesley, will open Thursday’s program with a combination of spirituals and musical theater selections, she said.

The ASU concert choir is comprised of music majors who come from wide and varied backgrounds across America. They perform for special events throughout Mississippi and have also toured the United States.

The choir is accompanied by Tony Gordon on organ.

The concert begins at 6:30 p.m., and is free and open to the public. For more information, call the church at 601-638-5899.