Wednesday, May 19, 2004

Chorale wraps season, sets auditions The Southern Crescent Chorale has just successfully completed its second season and developed quite a large following of patrons who enjoy outstanding choral music. Many of the communities in the area have appreciated the opportunity to hear quality choral literature and major works performed in convenient locations with affordable ticket prices. The chorale has performed a variety of major works with orchestral accompaniment, including Handel’s “Messiah,” Thompson’s “Testament of Freedom” and Vivaldi’s “Gloria.” In December, the group joined the Tara Winds for the annual Music of the Seasons concert at the Clayton County Performing Arts Center, and also performed a concert of spirituals which was extremely well-received. The chorale’s most recent performance, at the Villages Amphitheater in Fayetteville, featured the music of George Gershwin and Irving Berlin with a jazz band accompaniment. This event drew an audience of approximately 800. One of next season’s highlights will be a debut at Spivey Hall singing “Lux Aeterna” by Morton Lauridsen. Prospective new members now have the opportunity to audition for the chorale. Audition dates are as follows: • Thursday, May 20, 6-9 p.m. • Tuesday, May 25, 6-9 p.m. • Thursday, June 10, 6-9 p.m. • Saturday, June 12, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The Southern Crescent Chorale rehearses each Monday evening from 7-9:30 p.m. at Fayette County High School in Fayetteville. Rehearsals for next season begin in late August. “Having been a music educator for over 30 years and choral director at Fayette County High School for 27 years, I have enjoyed expanding my horizons to include working with adults in the Southern Crescent Chorale,” said chorale artistic director Janice Folsom. “Many talented singers are now a part of the Chorale.” For more information, contact Folsom at folsom.janice@fcboe.org.