The New Choral Society Performs Its 100th Concert

The New Choral Society will present its 100th concert performance, Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 3 PM, in the sanctuary of Hitchcock Presbyterian Church. The concert program is “Jubilate Deo” (Make a Joyful Noise) and includes various settings of the text of Psalm 100. Composers whose works are featured include Händel, Bach, Schütz, Mendelssohn, Howells, Bernstein, Rutter and Clausen and the settings are sung in English, German, Latin and Hebrew.

The chorus, founded by Dr. John T. King in 1994, has been praised for its “professional level” musicianship, often featuring solo artists from the Metropolitan Opera and presenting its concerts with a top-notch professional orchestra. For 16 seasons the all-auditioned group has presented music from the 17th through 20th centuries, by more than 30 different composers, and has run the gamut from large scale works with orchestra and soloists, to American classical songs and a cappella works.

Greenacres resident Steven Schnur has been singing with the group since 1994 and here are his thoughts on his years as a member of the choir:

“I began choral singing thirty-five years ago but never enjoyed it as much as I have these last sixteen years under the tutelage of John King. His great musicianship and infectious high spirits never fail to wrest all of us from our Monday night rehearsal lethargy. Week after week we astonish ourselves with just how well we are capable of singing under John's expert guidance. And thanks to John's deep connections in the New York music world, we have the great good fortune to perform at every concert with world-class instrumentalists and soloists from the Metropolitan Opera Young Artists Program. It's thrilling!

We're also blessed in having one of the most dedicated executive directors in the business, Betsy Broyd, who has succeeded in accomplishing the impossible: providing a sound financial footing for an amateur choir with a deep and committed audience base. Year after year Betsy succeeds in developing new ways to attract patrons, to keep our interest high, and to offer the community great musical programs.

Sixteen years ago my wife, also a singer, came home from a Greenacres Association meeting with the welcome news that a new choir was being formed under John King's direction. I had just retired from another choir across the county and was looking to join a new group. We had small children at home so only one of us could attend the evening rehearsals. Nancie graciously yielded the spot to me and I have been grateful to her, to John King, and to Betsy Broyd ever since.”

Bonnie Gould, another original member said, "I am excited and proud to participate in our 100th performance in our 16th season. Being a member for 16 years has been an incredible learning experience,and with John's talent, patience and encouragement, we are united as we strive for excellence. And- in the process we have fun and enjoy and appreciate each other."

Tickets for the March 7th concert are available in two categories: Preferred Seating at $25 and General Admission at $20. The General Admission ticket is offered at a discount of $15, for Seniors and Students. Tickets can be purchased through the New Choral Society website: www.newchoralsociety.org or by calling the office at (914) 725-1678.