CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A North Carolina university is traveling overseas to commemorate an important time period in world history. 

Members of the Gardner-Webb University Concert Choir were invited to perform in the 80th D-Day anniversary concert in Abbaye-aux-Hommes in France.

The students will be part of a lead ensemble in an international choir, performing Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem in the Abbaye-aux-Hommes in Caen, in observance of D-Day.

In addition to the concert, the students will participate in educational experiences, all while reflecting on the significance of D-Day to our nations and allies' history.

Dr. Joshua Cheney serves as director of choral activities at Gardner-Webb University. He's also the assistant professor of music. 

Cheney says this international trip came together after he was contacted by a conducting friend in the United Kingdom that puts together significant concert experiences. 

"When he was starting to plan this [about] three years ago, I was one of the people to whom he reached out and I thought that might be good for us," Cheney said. "So this trip in 2024, we've been preparing for it for at least two years. We had to do a whole lot of planning and money raising, but last, most certainly not least, we had to learn a bunch of notes. It's been one of the largest projects I've ever put together as a choir director, but I think it's going to be the most rewarding."

Cheney says the students will be able to witness how D-Day celebrations help to bridge more people together.

"To show how connected we are," Cheney said. "There's thousands of miles of water in between us and them, but people over there and people over here are connected because of these major world events that happen."

Many experts describe D-Day as one of the most significant times in world history, defining the invasion as the beginning of the end of World War II.

On June 6, 1944, over 150,000 Allied troops invaded Normandy, France, to liberate Nazi-occupied territories in Europe. 

The invasion, referred to as "Operation Overlord" was made up of land, air, and sea forces, marking it the largest amphibious invasion in military history. 

Nearly 4,500 allied forces lost their lives on D-Day itself. 

The Gardner-Webb students will have the opportunity to visit the Normandy coast and beaches where Americans and allied troops gave their lives. 

In a press release, chair of the Department of Music and associate professor at Gardner-Webb Dr. Aaron Rice says it's important for students to be in Europe where they can piece together what they've been learning about these historical events. 

"We have been sharing with [students] about Operation Overlord and the events of D-Day,” Rice said. “We wanted the students to understand the significance of the acts of that day and gain the gravity of this particular 80th commemoration.”

Sixteen Gardner-Webb students will be performing in the international concert event, including Bethany Mace.

Mace says the students have been working hard to prepare for such a big stage. 

"It's pretty exciting," Mace said. "Preparing for this has been a lot, but I'm excited to learn and get ready for France."

Mace says for her, this experience feels like a dream come true. 

"[As a history-education major], this really combines my love of history and love of music together," Mace said. "Combines all my passions into one trip."

Zander Bryant is also a member of the concert choir. 

Bryant says he's excited to see their university collaborate with other countries for such an important event. 

"I was kind of shocked just because a small town in Boiling Springs, we get to represent the United States, doing this event and getting to go to France where all the history happened. It's truly a once in a lifetime opportunity," Bryant said.

Bryant credits Gardner-Webb supporters for providing funds to make the D-Day trip possible.   

"[We didn't want to] miss out on something like this," Bryant said. "It's made the trip a whole lot cheaper for us. I'm appreciative of all the support we were able to get so we could participate in this trip." 

Gardner-Webb students will be traveling to Europe from June 9 through June 18.

Gardner-Webb says it's the only North Carolina higher education institution performing in the anniversary concert event. 

The Davidson United Methodist Church Choirs will also be singing with Gardner-Webb during the requiem.