WHO
ARE WE?
Founded in 1984 as the South Hadley Community Chorus by Dr. Barbara Conant,
our name was changed in 1996 to the South Hadley Chorale to reflect more
accurately our repertoire, which has included works by Bach, Dvorak, Mozart,
Rossini, Rutter, Schubert, and Verdi. Governed by a Board of Directors,
the Chorale has performed fourteen major concerts with orchestra. From
1990-1996 the chorale, directed by Richard Rescia expanded its repertoire
and increased its membership.
WHAT
IS SPECIAL ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Singing with an orchestra, preparing larger choral works that require
a well-rounded choral group, singing in different languages, and performing
with top-notch professional soloists are some of the special features
of the South Hadley Chorale.
The concerts are held on the campus of Mount Holyoke College before audiences that regularly exceed 600 people! This year’s (2005) concert will be held on Sunday, March 13, at 3:00pm in beautiful Abbey Memorial Chapel. We are most fortunate to have the support of Mount Holyoke College.
WHO
IS THE CHORALE DIRECTOR?
The artistic director/conductor of the Chorale is Michael R. Dulac who
was appointed in 1997. Mr. Dulac holds degrees from Westfield State College
and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He has also done further
studies in choral conducting, organ, and Gregorian chant. Founder and
director of Schola Nova (formerly Schola Cantorum), his previous positions
include that of Director of Music at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield,
and United Congregational Church in Holyoke. He is presently Organist
at St. Joseph’s Church in Springfield. Mr. Dulac brings a wealth
of talent, expertise and enthusiasm to the leadership of the Chorale.
HOW
ARE WE FUNDED?
In the past we have received partial funding from the South Hadley Cultural
Council. For each concert, we have raised the majority of the money through
support from patrons, friends, and community businesses, as well as through
the sale of tickets. Volunteers, many of whom are also members of the
Chorale, help to publicize and raise funds for the event in the spring.
IS
THERE ANYTHING FOR CHILDREN?
The South Hadley Chorale Children’s Chorus made its debut during
the 2001 season. These elementary age children rehearse Saturday mornings
from January until the concert. The chorus is under the direction of Catherine
Waldron, a member of the Pioneer Valley Symphony Orchestra and an elementary
school music teacher in Longmeadow.
Over eighty men and women from the Pioneer Valley make up the Chorale. The majority of members have choral experience in church choirs or other choral groups. Concerts are usually programmed to include both sacred and secular musical compositions. If you enjoy singing choral music from many different periods, you will enjoy the South Hadley Chorale. No formal auditions are required.
The Chorale meets from mid-October through mid-November. There are no December rehearsals. We resume in January (Jan.5, 2005) until the concert in mid to late March (Mar. 13, 2005). Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays from 7:00-9:00pm in the choir room of the First Congregational Church in South Hadley Center.
If you would like to join the South Hadley Chorale, please contact Barbara Ayers, or join us at our first rehearsal of the season in 13 October 2004.
PERSONNEL
Artistic Director/Conductor
Michael Dulac
Accompanist
Matthew Alcombright
Officers
Barbara Ayers, President
Kathleen Holt, Vice President
David Morrell, Secretary
Edwin Weaver, Treasurer
Rita Starzyk, Assistant Treasurer
Directors
Nancy Birkem
Janet Bresee
Joyce Carlson
Frances Carpenter
James Dachos
Alan Desrosiers
John Hagberg
Colleen Harris
Carl Krogh
Elizabeth McArthur
Jenny Peters
Marilyn Pryor
Harriet Skipton
Rita Starzyk
Elva Zajac