The Shrewsbury Chorale, which has performed throughout Monmouth County since 1957, announced its schedule for the 2018-19 season.
The Shrewbury Chorale, which is directed by Neil F. Brown and accompanied by John Balme, sings a wide variety of music that ranges from lighter popular fare to choral masterpieces.
The trio of performances for the upcoming season will be based on a seasonal theme.
The concert season will open on Dec. 9 with Seasonal Celebration! The highlight of this program will be the Son of God Massand Requiem Canticorumby contemporary British composer James Whitbourn. These two ethereal works are seamlessly intertwined into a single multi- movement piece featuring choir, organ, and soprano saxophone.
Following the season opener, Maestro Brown has planned a performance of Haydn’s oratorio, The Seasons, which will be complete with soloists and orchestra. That performance is scheduled for the spring of 2019.
The Shrewsbury Chorale will close the season in June of 2019 with a turn to a lighter musical style. The highlight of this concert will be The Seasonings, by Peter Schickele, more popularly known as PDQ Bach. The Shrewsbury Chorale revealed that this act may provide some laughs as the composer spoofs the serious and sometimes stuffy oratorio form in a light-hearted manner.
The Shrewsbury Chorale is also recruiting its membership. An open rehearsal will be held on Sept. 11 and Sept. 18 at 7:45 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County, which is located at 1475 Front St., Lincroft.
The Shrewsbury Chorale will be accepting singers of all voice parts, age high school and up, particularly sopranos and tenors. Former members are also welcome.
The Shrewsbury Chorale practices on Tuesday nights from 7:45-10 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County. For information, call 732-747-1362, email [email protected], or visit the website at www.shrewsburychorale.org. To schedule an audition, call 908-309-0602.