Report by Paula Antolini
December 1, 2016 9:35AM EDT
Connecticut Choral Society Performs ‘Snowflake’ During Candlelight and Carols Holiday Celebration
A holiday celebration of music inspired by poetry about the wonder of a snowflake, will be performed by the Connecticut Choral Society on December 9, 10, 11.
Snow
“Snow is falling silent and soft and slow” is from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem “Snow-Flakes.” Snowflakes form in a wide variety of intricate shapes, leading to the popular expression that “no two are alike.” Complex shapes emerge as the flakes move through differing temperatures and humidity, making each unique in structure. Join us for a holiday celebration featuring music inspired by snow. At once heart-warming, unique, and inspiring.
‘Snow!’ will be performed as one continuous soundscape. The audience is requested to hold all applause until the conclusion of the concert. Enjoy a playlist of beautiful music presenting the gentle calm of a winter’s night.
Friday, December 9, 2016 – 8 pm
Trinity Episcopal Church, Newtown
directions >
Saturday, December 10, 2016 – 3 pm
Sunday, December 11, 2016 – 3 pm
North Congregational Church, Woodbury
directions >
Featuring:
Arijana Lempke, soprano
Cat Heidel, mezzo-soprano
John Mastroianni, soprano saxophone
Jeff Fuller, standup bass
Linda Sweetman-Waters, piano
Eric Dale Knapp, conductor
Gustav Holst/arr. Mark Shepperd In the Bleak Midwinter
Tom Fettke & Rebecca Peck In Winter’s Peace
Edward Elgar Snow
Ron Dukenski Snowflakes WORLD PREMIERE
Audrey Assad/arr. Bruce Greer Winter Snow
arr. Hayes Winter Wonderland of Snow
Michael W. Smith/ arr. Clydesdale Christmas Day
Lady Antebellum/arr. Ed Lojeski On This Winter’s Night
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ABOUT THE CONNECTICUT CHORAL SOCIETY
Mission
The Connecticut Choral Society, Inc. (CCS), established in 1980, is an ensemble of auditioned singers who are joined by their commitment to provide a music resource for Connecticut; to encourage singing and performing choral music of the highest artistic quality, and to stimulate greater appreciation and enjoyment of choral music.
From modest beginnings (less than 30 people attended the first rehearsal), we have grown in stature and accomplishment to become a renowned chorus of over 75 auditioned singers hailing from over 20 towns in the region. We have appeared in Carnegie Hall (with the New York Pops Orchestra), Lincoln Center, and Woolsey Hall, (Yale University) and have toured England, Canada, Europe, Australia and China – but we remain dedicated foremost to bringing beautiful and inspiring works to our local audiences in Connecticut. We are known for our high musical performance standards, outstanding contribution to the arts, and community outreach. In 2014, CCS was named by WTIC (CBS, Connecticut) as one of the top five choral groups in the state.
Outreach
CCS is noted for outreach through its benefit concerts. Special concerts have been performed with all proceeds going to support non-profit organizations including Toys for Tots, Ronald McDonald House, Lion’s Club, Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross Greater Waterbury Interfaith Ministries food pantry, Danbury’s Samaritan Center, New Milford’s Social Services Benevolent Fund, Family and Children’s Aid Center Danbury, and Covenant House. CCS also performed a free healing concert in Newtown. CCS’ a capella group, the Chamber Singers, provides free performances in libraries, senior centers, and assisted-living residences.
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