Special Programs By The Greenwich Choral Society

Information via Greenwich Choral Society

GREENWICH, CT — Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Greenwich Choral Society has suspended group rehearsals and public concerts and has embarked on a program of open Zoom rehearsals and the recording of virtual performances that have been shared with the public on the Internet.

Choristers have been recording their vocal parts in their homes and sending them to be combined in a computer program to create a final, full performance, according to a news release.

In addition to opening its weekly Zoom online rehearsals to anyone interested in creating choral music in this time of pandemic, the Choral Society is also instituting a series of special programs for those interested in a deeper engagement with choral music and with the professional staff of the Greenwich Choral Society.

On Feb. 6 at 9:30 a.m., James Wetzel, the Assistant Conductor of the Choral Society and the Director of Music at the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer in New York City, will present "Singing the Mass: Anything but Ordinary." He will examine settings of the Mass "Ordinary," the unchanging portions of the Mass: Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus and Agnus Dei.

A Mass was the first multi-movement piece of music ever written and is the source from which all other Western art music proceeds. These ancient texts continue to inspire composers, Christians and concert-goers alike. James Wetzel will lead Zoom participants in singing excerpts from this great treasury of music.

The Choral Society has opened its weekly Zoom online rehearsals every Tuesday evening through April 13 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. No auditions are required to participate, just an interest in choral music and a desire to learn more about the Greenwich Choral Society and its members. The rehearsals are free.

Those interested in the open rehearsals and in the special programs are encouraged to contact us by email at admin@greenwichchoralsociety.org for further details.

Current virtual performances accessible through the choral society's website www.gcs-ct.org include: "An Irish Blessing," "Chanukkah Candle Blessing," "Handel's See the Conqu'ring Hero Comes," "Adeste Fideles" and "Silent Night."

Additional information regarding concerts, tickets, subscriptions and auditions can be found on the society's website.