The Worcester Chorus
For our Spanish speaking friends, read this review of a recent performance in Mexico City, featuring a multi-cultural chorus and including members of the Worcester Chorus, Artistic Director Chris Shepard on continuo, the Mexico National Symphony Orchestra, and more.
Excerpt: "Among the activities for the 85th anniversary of its founding, the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) presented last night at the Great Hall of the Palace of Fine Arts, the universe of Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) with the interpretation of "St. Matthew Passion," which the German musician first presented on Good Friday, 1729.
The gala was under the baton of artistic director of the NSO, Carlos Miguel Prieto, and included the Children's Choir of the National School of Music (Patricia Morales, director), Bicultural Choir (John Daly Goodwin, director), Frank Kelley (tenor), Stephen Bryant (bass), Lesley Ann Bryant (soprano), Kevin Deas (baritone), Carla Lopez-Speziale (mezzo-soprano), Christopher Shepard (continuo) and William Skeen (viola da gamba player)."
The Worcester Chorus, under the sponsorship of Music Worcester, Inc., has the unique distinction of being one of the most outstanding ongoing choral groups in the United States and was founded in 1858 to sing in the first annual Worcester Music Festival in the newly-built Mechanics Hall. The 120-member chorus includes singers from Worcester County, northern Connecticut, and the Boston area. Its repertoire includes, not only the western world's finest choral masterpieces, but also contemporary literature, arrangements of American folk songs, classics from the musical theater, and commissioned works. Each year the chorus performs with orchestras and soloists in Mechanics Hall as part of The Worcester Music Festival, including an annual performance of Handel's Messiah and a Spring Choral Concert. The Worcester Chorus has also made guest appearances throughout the Northeast and overseas.
The Worcester Chorus is a major community chorus that includes both amateur and professional singers. It endeavors to foster the choral arts and to enhance the cultural life of Worcester and the surrounding area through the highest level of musicianship and artistry, resulting in enriching and emotional experiences for audiences and singers alike. For over 100 years, the annual Messiah holiday concert has become a local tradition and an integral part of the Worcester Music Festival!
Artistic Director Christopher Shepard has been with the chorus since 2009.
Auditions
If you are interested in becoming a part of this great choral organization and would like to learn more about our group, please visit http://www.worcesterchorus/contact.php
2012-2013 Music Worcester Season Media Sponsor WCCA-TV13 video from end of 2012 season concert
