Hudson Chorale Welcoming New Mebers in September

Few things in life are as satisfying as joining a group of talented, enthusiastic singers and making beautiful music together every week.  Since 2010, Hudson Chorale, Westchester’s largest chorus, has been performing in venues throughout the County, bringing the best in choral singing to the Hudson Valley.  Concerts have included traditional choral pieces such as the Brahms Requiem, lesser known works such as the Mass in D by John Knowles Paine, more contemporary work by composers such as Morten Lauridsen and Eric Whitacre, selections from Broadway, and even newly composed pieces by Music Director, Michael Conley, commissioned just for Hudson Chorale.  As membership has grown, so has audience size, and the chorus now enjoys a region-wide reputation for outstanding programming and superb artistry.  The Chorale’s goal is to provide both audience members and singers with the best possible experience in choral singing, offering exciting programs that include the entire choral repertoire - from the great masterpieces of the past to engaging contemporary compositions.  Singers looking for a new or additional choral family are encouraged to consider the Hudson Chorale.

After a rousing all-Beethoven program in May, the Chorale is welcoming new members in all voice parts (SATB) in September for its 2013-2014 season.  Rehearsals will begin for a January 25 and 26, 2014 concert that will honor the music of American composers including Randall Thompson (Frostiana, Alleluia, The Last Words of David) and others  including David Brunner, Norman Dello Joio and the chorus’ own Michael Conley.  Randall Thompson’s name is synonymous with 20th century American choral composers, and his works are performed frequently throughout the US and worldwide.  Thompson’s Alleluia, commissioned for the opening of the Berkshire Music Center at Candlewood as part of the acclaimed Tanglewood Music Festival in 1940, has been part of the Festival opening every year since then and is beloved by choral singers.  For its May 17, 2014 concert performance, the program will feature Ralph Vaughan Williams’ powerful and moving Dona Nobis Pacem based on the Civil War poetry of Walt Whitman, and Joseph Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass, a title given to the piece because it was first performed on the same day as a major defeat of Napoleon by Admiral Nelson. Both works feature full orchestral accompaniment.  This concert promises to stir the emotions of both singers and audience alike and clearly falls into the not-to-be-missed category.

Michael Conley, Music Director of the Hudson Chorale, enjoys a multi-faceted career as a conductor, composer, pianist, organist and singer.  In addition to serving as Music Director of the Hudson Chorale, Mr. Conley is the Music Director of the highly popular West Village Chorale and the Judson Memorial Church on Washington Square in Manhattan, one of the country’s most historically progressive and unique congregations.  He is the worship pianist, conductor of the Judson Choir and founder of Judson Arts, a concert series which celebrates an eclectic mix of musical styles and ensembles.  The New York Times has said of his conducting, “first-rate;” of his choirs, “proficient” and “well-blended sound;” and of his compositions, “tuneful,” “handsome,” “ambitious,” “piquant,” and “surprising.”

Rehearsals for the upcoming season will begin on Monday, September 23, 2013 from 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm and will take place on subsequent Monday evenings at the Scarborough Presbyterian Church, 655 Scarborough Rd (Route 9), Scarborough, NY.  “Singer-friendly” auditions will take place Monday, September 16 by appointment and on subsequent Mondays prior to rehearsal.  Concerts venues are in central Westchester.  To receive additional information and/or to schedule a time for an audition, contact Jeanne Wygant at JeanneWygant@optonline.net  or call (914) 478-0074.  To learn more about the chorus, visit the website at www.HudsonChorale.org.  To hear sample music performed by the chorus, click on the YouTube link on the website.