The Columbus Women’s Chorus presents their spring program, “The Spirit of Women” on Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17, at 8 p.m, at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd.

The program will range from the ardent music of the medieval abbess, Hildegard of Bingen, through traditional women’s work songs and lullabies, to the more contemporary voices of Amanda McBroom, who wrote the title song for the Bette Midler movie, The Rose, and American composer Gwyneth Walker.

The centerpiece of the program, Walker’s suite The Spirit of Women, is based on three diverse African American spirituals, but the lyrics are updated and reflect contemporary daily life that includes supermarkets, hair and a long line of feminist reformers.

“The Women’s Chorus has always championed music by women, and we are pleased to present three wonderful pieces by the excellent contemporary female American composer Gwyneth Walker,” says Artistic Co-Director Jennifer Bell.

The performance will incorporate diverse forms of artistic expression. “Both the spoken word and projected images form important parts of our program this year,” adds Artistic Co-Director Sheena Phillips. “We will welcome Connie Foster, a lifelong dame of theatre, as our principal narrator.”

Tickets: Adults, $13 in advance ($15 at the door); Students/Seniors, $10 ($13 at the door); Children under 12, donation or free. Tickets and additional information are available online at www.cwchorus.org.