Message to Membership – January 20, 2022
From the Music Director …
Dear Hartford Chorale,
We continue to rejoice in the ongoing interest in Chorale membership, with online auditions being submitted. One of our committee members agreed to be a “guinea pig” and sent in a trial-balloon audition. It worked perfectly. Because there is so very much for us to look forward to in 2022, please continue to encourage, far and wide, those whom you consider to be Chorale members, and send them our way.
On Monday, an energy-filled 2022 production committee met, under the leadership of Anniversary Chair Joanne Huelsman. Time and again, participants jumped to the various important and exciting tasks that lie ahead as we look forward to renewing our song. These are challenging and puzzling times, but all of us in the Chorale never lose track of our goal of bringing to the community (and to each other), the great choral masterpieces, old and new, that we admire and embrace.
Rick
From the Board President …
Dear Hartford Chorale,
On Monday, we kicked off our production task force. Every committee chair was present, and the enthusiasm was infectious. Please join me in thanking Joanne Huelsman for compiling years of production data, analyzing everything and creating a workflow that was easy for us to follow. Despite the absence of an ED, we should have no trouble moving forward.
Speaking of moving forward, the reopening committee meets on Friday (tomorrow). As outlined in the announcement at the start of the year, the reopening committee stated that it would be meeting regularly to assess the state of the pandemic vis-a-vis our community and partners. The Chorale is currently scheduled to gather in four weeks and will only gather if it is safe to do so. Please stay alert to email in that regard.
Our ranks continue to grow, nevertheless. We have an impressive list of signups for auditions, even though they are virtual. The deadline for submission of tapes is January-24. Please encourage your best and brightest to join us.
Thank you for your flexibility and great cheer. Until I write to you again, have a wonderful week and weekend.
Lalitha
From our Friends …
The Music Series at South Church
Nathaniel Gumbs, organist
January 30th, 2022, 4:00 pm
(Snow Date: February 6th, 2022, 4:00 pm)
90 Main Street, New Britain, CT 06051
This year, The Music Series at South Church is featuring “Connecticut Center Stage” – artists based here in Connecticut. Our first offering of 2022 is Nathaniel Gumbs, organist. Nathaniel has excited and delighted audiences throughout the United States and abroad, and currently serves as Director of Chapel Music at Yale University. Mr. Gumbs works with students, faculty, and guests to coordinate music for three worshipping communities: the University Church in Battell Chapel, and at Yale Divinity School in both Marquand Chapel and at Berkeley Divinity School. Gumbs earned his undergraduate degree from Shenandoah Conservatory in Virginia, his Master of Music degree from Yale University, and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, New York.
There will be a free-will offering.
Read more about our season here: https://www.musicseries.org/current-season