A salute to a bygone holiday favorite, special guests, and the world premiere of a choral work are all part of the 50th Anniversary Season of The Greeley Chorale: “50 Years of Song: Only the Beginning!”
The Chorale, known in musical/choral circles both here and abroad for excellence, originated in 1964 under the guidance of Dr. Howard Skinner. “I am the 7th conductor/music director of the Greeley Chorale, and I couldn’t be happier to lead this fine organization through an exciting and dynamic 50th Anniversary season,” said Artistic Director Dr. Galen Darrough. “We have a season planned which will take a look back, as well as a look forward to our next 50 years!”
First on Friday, October 10 at 7:30 is Remembering the Past, at First Congregational Church, 2100 16th St. “This concert is a salute to our history, and features some of the singers’ and audience favorites from years gone by”, Darrough explained. In addition to patriotic tunes, Americana, and spirituals, the Chorale welcomes the Centennial Wind Ensemble of the 101st Army Band of the Colorado National Guard, (pictured) as special guests.
No holiday season would be complete without a Greeley Chorale Holiday concert, and the group comes through on Friday, December 19 at 7:30, with Wes Hael! and Happy Holidays!, at the UCCC. A highlight of this concert is a nod to the Greeley Chorale English Madrigal Feaste, a wildly popular Northern Colorado holiday tradition for 17 years. Special guest for this performance is a brass ensemble, led by former UNC Trumpet Professor Bill Pfund. In addition to the Madrigal music style, traditional holiday pieces are featured.
The cold days of February once again brings the Chorale’s Pops & Pasta dinner, show and silent auction to St. Mary Church Parish Hall, 2222 23rd Ave., Greeley. Performances are at 1 and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015. A fundraiser for the Greeley Chorale Development Fund, Pops & Pasta has become a crowd pleasing tradition that sells out every year. “This season is the 20th to feature a Pops & Pasta, and, as this sells out every year, we advise our patrons to get their tickets early,” commented Chorale Administrator Heather Garwood.
The merry month of May brings the official Anniversary Concert for the 50th season. Shaping the Future takes place on Saturday, May 9, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. in the Union Colony Civic Center. This concert, produced in cooperation with the UCCC, includes not only the full Chorale, but several individual and ensemble performances by Chorale members, and special guests The Greeley Children’s Chorale. “We couldn’t have an anniversary concert without saluting our founder, Dr. Howard Skinner, and he conducts the Chorale,” Darrough said. “I’m also pleased to welcome my UNC colleague, pianist Dr. Lei Weng, who perform solo numbers.”
This Anniversary Season comes to a rousing close with the world premiere of a specially commissioned choral work. Dr. Mack Wilberg, Director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, is composing a special piece in honor of the Chorale’s 50 years of song. “Dr. Wilberg is one of the finest composers in America today, and it is a great honor to debut a composition of his, in marking our Anniversary,” concluded Darrough.
Tickets for October, December and May concerts are on sale through the UCCC ticket office. Pops & Pasta tickets go on sale Mon., Aug. 18. To purchase tickets, call 356-5000, 1-800-315-ARTS, or visit www.greeleychorale.org/.