Meredith Elaine Baker

Been thinking “Where’s the Music?” Well, the Long Island Choral Society had a wonderful summer with two sing-alongs that brought lots of avid singers in to benefit our coffers. We also got together for a yummy Lobster Fest, which also was a fund-raiser. But now we’re announcing the coming season, and if you missed the opportunity to join in our fun summer events, then don’t put this prospectus down without ordering tickets, buying an orchestra angel or two or five – and marking our concert season down on your calendar

Are you looking for old and new? Our November concert will mark our first performance of Puccini’s Messa di Gloria and Arvo Pärt’s Beatitudes, rounded out by Mozart’s Requiem. That performance with organ and strings will be presented at the Worship Hall at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset. December we’ve enjoyed preceding Messiah with varied carols – we’ll do that again, if you like!!! Feel free to let us know! March will be my first time conducting the Passion according to Saint Matthew by Johann Sebastian Bach. We will feature our new division, Young Voices, in the singing of the chorales! December and March we will appear at the Cathedral. Our May Concert with the Young Artist competition winner(s), our 50/50 drawing, an appearance by Young Voices and varied choral fare will conclude our season at the Worship Hall at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset.

Can you imagine a more exciting season produced at two wonderful venues? Have you had the opportunity to hear orchestra organ and chorus in the wonderful acoustics of Manhasset? What a beautiful space to perform in! We requested our usual dates at the Cathedral, but they couldn’t schedule us in November, so we are delighted to use this alternate venue.

How many performing groups are producing four concert seasons with “amateur” chorus, professional soloists, and professional orchestra? How many feature an Artist-in-Residence in three of four concerts, offering a platform for recognition for one outstanding professional musician (this year we are showing our appreciation to Karen Gellert, a fabulous performer and teacher, who has been a mainstay in our orchestras for many years). How many groups run a Young Artist Competition (and get thank you letters from winners and losers, for our wonderful chair of the Competition, Beth Saltalamaccio? How many performing groups on Long Island are training young singers to perpetuate the art? The Long Island Choral Society is reaching farther into our community to stimulate interest, offering performing opportunities, and provide highest quality performances. Encourage us, support us, come to our performances, and tell us what we’re doing wrong, and what we’re doing right! Without your enthusiasm, and that of our singers, we would not be in our 81st season. We look forward to seeing you and your friends at least four times this year!!!

Harmoniously,