BRISTOL — Rehearsals for the Bristol Chorale’s May concert, “Onward & Upward,” begin Jan. 5, offering a fresh start for the community chorus after a successful holiday performance.
A Season of Growth and New Heights
The Bristol Chorale is gearing up for its 50th season with a concert themed around moving forward and reaching new artistic levels.
- Rehearsals resume Jan. 5 at Faith Lutheran Church.
- The Chorale is actively seeking tenor and bass singers.
- “Onward & Upward” will be performed May 1 and 2.
- The December concert, “Merrily on High!,” drew nearly 600 attendees.
Bristol Chorale President Betsy Grady said rehearsals will be held Mondays from 6:45 to 9 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, located at 1125 Stafford Ave. The group is particularly hoping to attract new members to the tenor and bass sections, Grady noted.
What is the Bristol Chorale hoping to achieve with its upcoming concert? The title, “Onward & Upward,” reflects the vision of director Andrew Skinner and the Chorale itself to build upon 50 years of musical tradition and strive for even greater accomplishments.
Recent Successes Fuel Future Ambitions
The Chorale recently concluded its “Merrily on High!” concert on Dec. 7 at the Rockwell Theater, directed by Skinner. The performance was a resounding success, welcoming 20 new singers and introducing Kurt Galvan as a new accompanist.
“We had a full house, which was very close to our goal of 600 people attending,” Grady said. “We heard nothing but positive reviews. The concert was the perfect length and stayed focused on the music.”
Skinner is known for strategically programming concerts, often beginning with contemporary pieces and concluding with well-loved classics.
“Onward & Upward” Concert Details
The “Onward & Upward” concert will take place Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 355 Camp St. A Saturday, May 2 matinee is scheduled for 3 p.m., with the location to be announced at a later date.
The program will open with “Soulspeak (To Strive and Not to Yield),” a composition by Z. Randall Stroope that sets Tennyson’s “Ulysses” to music. Other selections include “Over the Rainbow,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” the spiritual “Climbin’ Up the Mountain,” Mendelssohn’s “Lift Thine Eyes,” and a rendition of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”
A Community Chorus with a Long History
Founded in 1975, the Bristol Chorale is a non-auditioned chorus open to singers from the greater Bristol area. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Chorale relies on member dues, donations, and ticket sales to fund its activities.
Those interested in joining the Chorale can register at bristolchorale.org. Dues can be paid online or in person at a rehearsal. Further information is available via email at [email protected].
