Petersburg Festival Chorus Seeks New Voices For Its 20th Anniversary Season

The Petersburg Festival Chorus is recruiting new singing voices for this, its 20th anniversary season. Any adult—soprano, alto, tenor or bass—with a passion for singing is encouraged to attend an open rehearsal. Those auditioning do not need to take a prepared song, but should be prepared to sing. “As our banner 20th anniversary season is about […]

September 4, 2009; 1:29 PM • by mari

The Petersburg Festival Chorus is recruiting new singing voices for this, its 20th anniversary season. Any adult—soprano, alto, tenor or bass—with a passion for singing is encouraged to attend an open rehearsal. Those auditioning do not need to take a prepared song, but should be prepared to sing.

“As our banner 20th anniversary season is about to unfold, we are looking for people who love to sing and want to participate in an exciting year of choral programs,” said Scott Flaherty, this year’s chorus president. “Auditions are very relaxed and un-intimidating, and I encourage anyone with an interest in singing on stage in front of enthusiastic audiences to try us out.”

The chorus produces two major concert series each year, choosing from a wide variety of musical styles, including classical, Baroque, Renaissance, spiritual and contemporary. The chorus’ approximately 40-members rehearse every Tuesday night from 7 – 9 p.m., beginning this year on September 15, at “the barn” on the Richard Bland College campus. Newcomers should plan to arrive 15 minutes early.

This fall, under the leadership of music director Sandi Thomas, the four-part chorus will be rehearsing for their holiday performances. Selections to be performed include, among others: “The Gospel Mass” by Robert Ray, “Jubilate Alleluia” and “An American Songbook,” a tribute to American music.

On Saturday, December 5th, at 7:30 p.m., the chorus will perform at Trinity United Methodist Church on Sycamore Street in Petersburg. This concert will also include the much beloved Handel’s “Halleluiah Chorus.”

The roots of the Petersburg Festival Chorus go as far back as 1884, when a four-part vocal ensemble of 68 singers was formed and participated in a regional musical convention. The chorus was reorganized in 1989 as a nonprofit organization that continues to serve the residents of the Tri-Cities. It is also the resident chorus of Richard Bland College (RBC) of the College of William and Mary. Students attending RBC can earn credit towards their degree by performing with the chorus.

For more information on the Petersburg Festival Chorus please contact Ginia Sullivan at 862-3706.

September 4, 2009 1:29 PM 0