Chorale starts season with open rehearsals

The Shrewsbury Chorale has planned a series of performances for 2017-18.

Directed by Neil F. Brown and accompanied by John Balme, the Shrewsbury Chorale has performed choral music for audiences throughout Monmouth County and beyond since 1957, according to a press release.

The chorale sings music ranging from lighter popular fare to choral masterpieces.

The concert season will open with Hodie Holiday on Dec. 17. The program will explore various settings of the text “Hodie Christus Natus Est” (“Today Christ is Born”) by Vaughan Williams, Sweelinck, Gabrieli, Poulenc and others, according to the press release.

On April 29, Brown has planned a joint concert with the Brookdale Concordia Chorale, with a performance of Handel’s “Israel in Egypt.”

The chorale’s gift auction fundraiser will return on June 12 after a year’s absence. Entitled “Gala Americana,” the program will feature rousing patriotic songs, dinner catered by Buona Sera, and prizes.

The Shrewsbury Chorale is inviting potential new members to attend open rehearsals on Sept. 12 and Sept. 19 at 7:45 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County, 1475 W. Front St., Lincroft.

The chorale practices weekly on Tuesday from 7:45-10 p.m.

For information, call 732-747-1362, email [email protected] or visit www.shrewsburychorale.org. The chorale is accepting singers of all voice parts, high school age and up. To schedule an audition, call 609-686-9140.