A concert featuring 500 years of choral tradition opens Fort Dodge Choral Society’s celebration of its 50th Anniversary season. The group, under the direction of Bruce Perry, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Webster City, and at 3 p.m. Oct. 29 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge.

The concerts, in celebration of the tradition of sacred music that began 500 years ago with the Reformation, include pieces ranging from Bach to Bernstein, chant to familiar hymns, and Mozart to traditional spirituals.

The choir, which features many of the area’s finest musicians, unites singers from many walks of life. Music educators, students, clergy, medical professionals, stay-at-home parents and retirees are drawn together by their love of music.

Jeanette Hinkeldey of Alta will make her debut as the group’s pianist. Joanne Astor and Gloria Zahrobsky, who sang in the group’s inaugural concert in 1968, are among the singers in these concerts.

Admission to the concerts is by season membership or $10 at the door. For more information, visit fdchoralsociety.org.