Joseph and Laura Baldwin will present a concert at the First Baptist Church Sunday, July 9, at 7 p.m. Joseph Baldwin, baritone, and Laura Baldwin, pianist-accompanist, will present a concert of "Biblical Songs" by Antonin Dvorak at the First Baptist Church on Sunday, July 9, at 7 p.m.

Joseph is salutatorian for the Briarwood Academy Class of 2006 and as a music major will be attending Northwestern University in the fall on several music scholarships provided by the university.

Laura is first honor graduate of the Briarwood Academy Class of 2003 and began studies at the Medical College of Georgia School of Nursing this month.

Both are accomplished and talented musicians and have appeared in many concerts, recitals, and musicals during their high school years. They have been active in productions of the Washington Little Theater Company and the Briarwood Music Department productions, as well as in the music program at the First Baptist Church.

Joseph is a vocal student of Patricia B. Burton of Washington. "Biblical Songs" was composed by Antonin Dvorak during a very productive period of his life between 1892 and 1895 when he was active as Director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York.

This cycle of 10 songs based on texts from the Book of Psalms was composed in 1894, a time when Dvorak sought consolation and strength in the words of the Bible. It was not long after the death of conductor Hans von Bulow, one of Dvorak's closes friends and most devoted supporter.

Also during this time he received the message from his homeland that his father was on his deathbed. The "Biblical Songs" are an expression of the composer's most personal sentiments, and at the same time they document his deep religious feelings. Their content ranges from lament and fervent plea to songs of praise to God.

The public is invited to attend the concert. There is no charge for the program.