Amy Bernon, Director

Alamanda Women's Choir of Connecticut was founded in the summer of 2001 by Amy Bernon. Even at this early stage, the Choir has made great strides, learning a variety of challenging and beautiful music from all periods of history. The Choir has performed at the First Church of Bethlehem, the Bridgewater Congregational Church, East Hill Woods in Southbury, the South Britain Congregational Church, and The Taft School in Watertown.

Where did we get our unusual name? Lady Alamanda d'Estane was a female troubadour (songstress) and composer in 12th century France.

Lydia Smith-Franks, Director

Founded in the fall of 1989, with roots in the lesbian community and open to all women, Another Octave performs an eclectic repertoire, including standard concert pieces as well as traditional and contemporary music which reflects women's lives.

Members come from varied backgrounds and lifestyles and bring with them varying degrees of musical training. Together, we work for musical excellence, and perform for the pleasure of our audiences and ourselves.

Check our website at www.anotheroctave.org for upcoming events.

Website: www.anotheroctave.org

Jan Shames, Director
David Bell, Accompanist

Dues are $35 per concert season. We hold two concerts per year: Our Winter concert is the first Saturday in December, and our Spring concert is the first Saturday in May, both held at 8 pm at the Tabor Lutheran Church, Tabor Drive, Branford, CT.

Barry Asch, Music Director/Conductor
Donna Breen Stamm, Assistant Music Director

Cappella Cantorum is a non-audition community chorus with over 100 singers whose primary purpose is to learn, perform and enjoy great choral music, while striving for excellence and enrichment of its singers and audience. It provides singers from more than 20 Southeastern Connecticut communities with the opportunity to perform these works with a professional orchestra and professional or Cappella soloists. The full chorus presents its Winter concert twice in December and its Spring concert twice in March or April.

Cappella's Men's Chorus Concerts began in 1977. The Men's Chorus is available for fund-raising concerts or just for fun. To join or sponsor a concert, call 860.388.2871. The Cappella Cantorum Tour Choir of 30 to 40 singers has visited Europe and Canada on concert tours combining sightseeing with concerts in local venues and participation in church services. The next tour is scheduled for 2005.

For the past four years Cappella has also been asked to join a MidAmerica Productions choral concert production at Carnegie Hall. From 30 to 50 of our members have been able to participate in these exciting events in New York City.

Lisa Zolkiewicz-Ives, Director

The Cheshire Community Chorus was formed in 1980 as part of the Town’s Bicentennial celebration. It is open to all adults who enjoy singing, and auditions are not required. The chorus performs two concerts each year with the possibility of guest performances when requested. The first one in early December has a winter and holiday theme, and the second concert in April or May will include music appropriate to a theme chosen by the Music Committee. Some of the past themes have been: “Regards to Broadway,” “Music, No Greater Joy,” “Music Through the Ages,” “It’s a Grand Night for Singing,” “America, From Sea to Shining Sea,” and Nature’s Song.” Rehearsals begin the first Tuesday after Labor Day. After the winter concert, there is a break until the first Tuesday after New Year’s. The chorus does not meet during the summer. There is an annual dues for expenses, one of which is the cost of sheet music. Members do not pay for their music at this time.

Michele Hammond, Director

The Choral Club of Clinton founded in 1926 by Seward F. Hull, Sr. Except for World War II years, it has given concerts ever since. Members of the Choral Club represent the whole shoreline area. Weekly rehearsals are held February to June. All who love to sing are welcome. Dues are $35 ($25 for students).

*Meets spring only

Dorothy Barnhart, Director

Chorale CT was founded by Dorothy Barnhart in 1996 to provide seasoned singers with the opportunity to perform substantial works by significant composers and to present them to audiences with professional quality standards. The 39 singers come primarily from central CT. Ms. Barnhart would like to see the membership grow to 50, but is insistent that balance and quality in vocal parts are paramount. Chorale CT was first heard by Meriden audiences during the 1995-96 Meriden Symphony Orchestra season. The rich, full sound Conductor Barnhart was able to evoke from her skilled chorus received rave reviews. A rare blending of voices, brilliantly directed by the talented Ms. Barnhart, provides wonderful music with an almost limitless and varied repertoire. Chorale CT's mission: Music transforms life. As such, Chorale CT strives to uplift the spirit by fostering the enjoyment and appreciation of choral music while promoting commun! ity involvement in the arts. Chorale CT is a chamber ensemble of mixed voices. We are dedicated to providing high quality performances of diverse chorale music. We present these works in the style originally intended by the composer.

Stephen Bruce, Director

Formed in 1997, Con Brio is the realization of a vision held by eight experienced choristers. Their goal is uncompromising musical excellence in an auditioned, amateur chamber choir. Con Brio now numbers close to 50* singers from Branford to Glastonbury to Groton and beyond. Attracting both professional musicians and enthusiastic amateurs alike, many of Con Brio's members sing or have sung with other choruses including Hartford Chorale, The New Haven Chorale, Pro Arte Festival Chorus, Oratorio Society of New York, the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Connecticut, Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra Chorus and Cappella Cantorum.

*The Board of Directors in conjunction with the Music Director has set an upper limit of 50 singing members.

Richard Coffey, Artistic Director
Jane Penfield, Executive Director

A fully professional choir, founded in 1974 by its Conductor and Artistic Director, Richard Coffey, under the auspices of the South Church of New Britain. CONCORA’s mission is “to perpetuate and perform with excellence choral music of the highest quality for the broadest possible audience.” The size of the performing group depends primarily on the repertoire, and varies from twelve to forty-five voices. This is the fourth performing season for the CONCORA Consort of Voices, a small a cappella ensemble specializing in contemporary music. The quartet, CONCORA-to-Go, is dedicated to educational outreach through performances in schools.

Click here to learn more…

John Robert Liepold, Director and Conductor

The Connecticut Choral Society, Inc., established in 1980, is an ensemble of auditioned singers who are joined by their commitment to provide a music resource for Connecticut; to encourage singing and performing choral music of the highest artistic quality; and to stimulate greater appreciation and enjoyment of choral music. We have performed locally in Connecticut, at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Woolsey Hall, Yale University in New Haven, as well as Canada and Europe. The group is also noted for its outreach, by providing scholarships to area high school choral students and through our affiliation with community organizations including Toys for Tots, Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House, New Haven.

Tina Heidrich, Director

The Connecticut Master Chorale is a premiere ensemble of 55 auditioned, highly gifted select singers in the Western Connecticut area - performing 3 concerts per season; one Holiday and two Masterwork concerts in the Spring with the Connecticut Master Chorale Orchestra. In addition, the Connecticut Master Chorale has performed at West Point Military Academy, at Carnegie Hall twice within a year, Madison Square Garden, and the White House in December 2002 - all by invitation.

Charles Fidlar, Director

The Connecticut Yankee Chorale was founded in 1984 on the dream of six individuals to bring the joy of music to the greatest number of people and provide opportunities for singers. The Chorale performs two concerts a year, in addition to singing with the Torrington Civic Symphony at its spring concert. A smaller group performs at the Torrington Historical Society in December. Major works have included Faure's Requiem, Britten's Ceremony of Carols, Vivaldi's Gloria and Rutter's Gloria and Requiem. In 1988 the Chorale performed Rutter's Requiem at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center, with the composer as guest conductor. The Chorale has also performed inter alia, folk songs, show tunes, spirituals, boogie-woogie and rock and roll. Membership has grown to an average of 45 singers. The Chorale is also the performing arts group in residence at the Nutmeg Conservatory of the Arts in Torrington.

Barbara M. Arafeh, Director

Open to all singers over 55 who are interested in singing choral music. Concerts are sung for guests at retirement homes, assisted living facilities, service organizations and other interested venues.

Richard Price, Director

The Danbury Concert Chorus is an organization for adult singers, and it performs choral masterworks of various styles and historical periods. Rehearsals emphasize reading and studying these works. In addition to other concerts, the chorus performs Messiah with a chamber orchestra each December. Experienced singers are welcome and no auditions are required.

Mark Singleton, Director

100 auditioned volunteer singers, conducted by a professional choral director, rehearse weekly on Wednesday evenings, from September through April, in New London.

The Chorus performs a minimum of two concerts annually. For the 2003-2004 season, the Chorus will perfom Verdi's Requiem, April 3, 2004, at the Garde Arts Center, New London, with the Vernon Chorale and the Mystic River Chorale Chamber Singers.

Johannes Somary, Director

The Fairfield County Chorale began informally in 1963, and was incorporated as a nonprofit musical organization in 1965. This year marks our 40th season. Our mission is to perform a broad range of choral music for the benefit of the community, and to champion the appreciation of excellence in choral literature. The music we have performed spans the best selections, from Bach, Haydn, and Mozart to Stravinsky and Britten. We strive for authenticity … to perform our music in the manner the composers intended. We have presented more than 150 choral works through our history, with more than 1,200 singers participating over the years.

The year 2000 marked the return of the Chorale to Carnegie Hall. The Chorale has also appeared in such prestigious venues as Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, as well as performing in conjunction with the Connecticut Early Music Festival and the Waterloo (NJ) Festival. We also have a long and active history of international performances.

Joseph D'Eugenio, Conductor

Seventy-five singers from Middlesex County as well as from New Haven and Hartford Counties perform the great choral literature of western classical music under the direction of Joseph D'Eugenio, Conductor. The ensemble performs two annual programs in December and May at such venues as Crowell Hall and the chapel at Wesleyan University as well as in area churches. In addition to its own concerts, the Greater Middletown Chorale has enjoyed joint ventures with the Coginchaug High School Chorus, The Naugatuck Valley Community College Chorus, and the Wesleyan Singers. Other credits include a performance at the Oakdale Music Theater with Kenny Rogers and in Middletown with the American Wind Symphony Orchestra.

New members to the chorale are welcome during September and January. Call 633-6198 for additional information.

Christopher Clowdus, Artistic Director

The Greater New Haven Community Chorus, a New Haven arts organization, was founded in 1963 by radio station WELI as a venture in community singing. The WELI Community Chorus, as we were originally known, performed in many surroundings. The chorus became self-supporting in 1971 as the New Haven Community Chorus, and in 1975 became incorporated with the State of Connecticut as a nonprofit organization. Today we are also fortunate to be affiliated with the historic Center Church on the Green.

We begin rehearsals in September for our winter/holiday concert, which is in December, and begin our spring season in January and perform usually in early June. Our repertoire is wide. We often do classical pieces in the fall, and spring concerts vary. All singers are invited to our lively rehearsals as guests throughout the season. The chorus has about 75-80 singers, from many towns in Connecticut, of many ages, and diverse musical backgrounds. After singing as a guest for three rehearsals, singers are able to join. Dues are $35.00 per season.

Paul F. Mueller, Music Director

The Greenwich Choral Society is a 115-voice auditioned chorus dedicated to excellence in choral music. Members come from throughout Fairfield and Westchester Counties. The Greenwich Choral Society was founded in 1925 by 25 singers who wished to promote and encourage the art of choral singing and the love of great music. Today the group performs three or four times annually with professional orchestra and soloists. The Choral Society is in its ninth year under the leadership of Music Director Paul F. Mueller, who is also Chairman of the Music Department at Hunter College in New York City.

David Doolittle, Director
Accompanist, John Orke

Hamden Festival Chorus is a non-profit group of people who love to sing. They come from Hamden and several other neighboring communities. Each year we give two major concerts, one in December and one in May. During the month of December, we give performances for several Senior Center Groups. Currently we are looking for additional singers for all parts to come and join, no auditions required, just a love of singing.

Lisa Zolkewicz-Ives, Director

Harmonia is a unique ensemble dedicated to quality performances of diverse choral music. Harmonia opens its arms to all singers who love to create beautifully blended music of all styles. Harmonia has been performing in the Cheshire area for over nine years under the directorship of some very fine musicians. They have sung a variety of musical styles including classical, secular, spiritual, jazz and contemporary. On occasion, Harmonia has joined with other area choruses for performances and welcomes the opportunity to learn and grow from these experiences. Harmonia invites all who find joy in music making, to join them in lifting their voices in song.

Contact:
Karen Ripa
203.605.1243
gripa@snet.net

Frank Nemhauser, Director

The Hartford Chorale, founded in 1972, is a chorus of more than 130 men and women who are selected annually through competitive auditions. Singers come from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island, and represent diverse occupations in business and the professions.

Marguerite Mullee, Artistic Director

Love to sing? Contact Marguerite Mullee at 860.927.5265.

Website: www.kentsingers.org

Jonathan F. Babbitt, Director

The Litchfield County Choral Union is a chorus that averages around 90 singers. Founded in 1899, it is a non-auditioned group that performs major choral works each summer at the Music Shed on the Battell Stoeckel Estate in Norfolk, CT. The Litchfield County Choral Union also has a program in March with a varied repertoire. Rehearsals are every Monday evening 7:30 - 10pm at the Music Shed beginning the first week in May.

Lewis J. Buckley, Orchestra Director
Kevin L. Mack, Chorale Director

Barbara M. Arafeh, Director

Open to all singers over 55 who are interested in singing choral music. Concerts are sung for guests at retirement homes, assisted living facilities, service organizations and other interested venues.

Adrian Mackiewicz, Artistic Director
Carol Stankevich, Co-Director and President

The New Britain Chorale is a community choir under the auspices of NEWBRACC (New Britain Area Council of Churches). We have been in existence for over twenty years. We are a faith-based choral group that is open to those who wish to sing sacred music. No church affiliation, however, is needed to become a member or sing with us. We offer one concert each year free to the public. That concert is generally in March or April, with rehearsals beginning in early January. Some sectional rehearsal time is provided. For our concert, we wear choir robes from the various churches represented by our members. Robes are supplied for those not affiliated with a church choir. Each December, a group of members sing in a Christmas concert at Central Connecticut State University. Other singing opportunites are also available but vary each year.

Members are expected to pay for their music (usually $10-$15) and there is a $45 membership fee. (There is a price break for the second singer when two singers come from the same family.) We take a break during our rehearsal time for refreshment and social interaction. We value our time together, not only as singers but as friends.

Edward Bolkovac, Music Director

The New Haven Chorale is a community of vocal musicians united by their passion for choral music and their commitment to personal musical growth. In its 54th year, the Chorale, under Music Director Edward Bolkovac, is dedicated to bringing the highest quality choral music to Greater New Haven. The Chorale regularly collaborates with other musicians including the New Haven Symphony, Yale Philharmonia, Yale Camerata, the Heritage Chorale and others. The Chorale's Student Singer Program offers the opportunity for talented high school juniors and seniors to rehearse and perform with the full Chorale which underwrites associated costs.

Contact:
Emily Oetjen,
Business Manager
Phone:
203.787.1887

Website: www.NewHavenChorale.org

Mark Bailey, Music Director

The New Haven Oratorio Choir is a self-supporting non-profit organization, committed to bringing sacred choral music to the greater New Haven community. The Choir follows many musical practices authentic or comparable to historical performance style and performs works for chamber choir and instrumentation, many of which are rarely heard in the New Haven area. The Oratorio presents two concerts annually, and has performed with the Yale Russian Chorus and the New Haven Symphony.

Contact:
Adam Marchand
President
Email:
amarchand@comcast.net
or
NHOC@yahoogroups.com

Website: www.NewHavenOratorio.org

Peter Peluso, Director

We are a chorus that was founded in 1970. We are made up of people from all walks of life and musical backgrounds. There are three performances a year: a holiday concert in December, a concert in March and a full length Broadway show in May. We also perform in the community as well as in surrounding towns. To date, four original choral compositions have been commissioned by the group and premiere performances given. There are two scholarships given each year to college music students. In addition to the adult group, there is a youth theater that does a production in the summer.

Music from all periods and styles are performed. Anything from Mozart's requiem to 1950's Do wop.

Daniela Sikora, Director

The Ridgefield Chorale presents several musical events a year each featuring a repertoire of stunning arrangements of Broadway show tunes and popular favorites with instrumental accompaniment. Critically-acclaimed music educator, soloist and composer, Director Daniela Sikora, conducts masterful performances. She helps all singers achieve success through expert instruction, which includes practice CDs specific to each voice part, and inspiring rehearsals. An important goal for the Chorale is to provide a positive artistic learning experience for each member as well as an enriching musical event for our audiences. Perhaps most importantly, everyone has fun!

Gifted pianist Gina Wilson accompanies the Chorale singers. She is co-founder of the Ridgefield Symphony Youth Orchestra and helped establish the St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Children's Choir in Ridgefield.

The Chorale is always looking for members who share a passion for singing and revel in the thrill of performance. All voice parts - tenors, basses, altos and sopranos - are welcome.

Stephanie Gregory, Director

Founded in 1980, The Shoreline Community Chorale is celebrating its twenty-third season. Drawing its membership primarily form the shoreline area, the group enjoys performing a wide variety of styles. Our current director is Stephanie Gregory who has been with us for three seasons. She holds degrees in choral direction and piano performance from the University of Mississippi and in vocal performance from Yale. Although our performances are primarily on the shoreline, we have also performed with the Connecticut Chamber Orchestra and the University Glee Club in New Haven and Tuxedo Junction Big Band. Some members of the chorale appear in different venues as Christmas carolers and are in the process of revitalizing our repertoire program. Membership is open to all persons age 16 or older regardless of level of musical ability. While members’ backgrounds vary, the chorale boasts that the only requirements are a sincere love of singing and a willingness to commit to regular ! attendance at rehearsals.

Contact:
Robert Mathis
860.399.7714

Joseph Geyer, Director
Accompanist, Paul Malyszka

The Southington Festival Chorus has been in existence for over 25 years. Both Southington residents and residents of surrounding communities are welcome.

Mark Singleton, Artistic Director

Established in 1980, The Vernon Chorale's principal mission is to provide a forum for members to learn and refine choral singing skills and to educate audiences through the presentation of concerts of choral music, sacred and secular. Important to this mission is our commitment to broaden the performance venues, to offer the community the best of the masters and to showcase new talent. Our Spring 2002 concert included a worldpremier of choral works by Fort Worth, Texas composer, Jason McCoy. In December 2002, the Vernon Chorale featured premiere performances of two works by composer and Vernon resident, Jonathan Hayden. The chorale's membership has fluctuated over the years, but has grown to fifty this season, with members from thirteen towns throughout the region. Members are auditioned and expected to come prepared for rehearsals. Artistic Director Mark Singleton is in his second year with the Vernon Chorale. He began his conducting career at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, where he received his undergraduate degree in Cello Performance and Church Music. Mr. Singleton received his Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting at the University of Connecticut under Dr.Peter Bagley. He is joined by Assistant Conductor, Ehren Brown, a fifth year music education major at the University of Connecticut. The Vernon Chorale traditionally holds two major concerts each season. Auditions are usually held twice yearly.

Theresa McGee, Director
Sandra Antonelli, Accompanist

The Wallingford Chorus, founded in 1970, gives two concerts a year -- in winter and in spring -- and takes part in the town's Frosty Parade festivities at Thanksgiving. The chorus does not require auditions, but the director usually listens to new members sing for placement purposes. The chorus welcomes those who love to sing, desire to work in a group toward a common goal, and commit to weekly attendance. Members help contribute to the chorus's well-being through fund raising activities and committee work, and by serving on the board. Dues are $50 annually.

Jonathan Babbitt, Director

The Waterbury Chorale has been bringing outstanding choral music to the Greater Waterbury area for the past 36 years. The Chorale is open to people with experience in choral singing. All ages are welcome - from high school on up. We're committed to excellence in the performance of the masterworks, as well as varied programs from other cultures and periods. Our director, Jonathan Babbitt, is a graduate of Yale University and the Yale School of Music. We perform December and Spring concerts in the beautiful neo-Gothic church of St. John's on the Green in Waterbury. We also hold a "Messiah" Sing-In near Christmas