The Northeast Men’s Summer Chorus, carrying on the tradition of the Yankee Male Chorus, announces its seventh annual Performance Tour at local churches in Newfane, Chester, and Acworth, New Hampshire, during the Aug. 6–8 weekend.
On Thursday, August 6, the first performance will be at The First Congregational Church of Newfane, 11 Church St. Friday night will be at the United Church of Acworth, 16 Town Hall Rd., and Saturday night at the Chester Baptist Church, 162 Main St. All concerts begin at 7 p.m.
This year’s selections will honor the 250th anniversary of our nation. Patriotic pieces include “Our National Anthem,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and “Armed Services Medley,” among others. Also included are selections from musical theater, vintage pop, rock, country, and spirituals, including “My Special Angel” and “Sweet Caroline” (with audience participation).
“Music has served as the heartbeat of our shared history, but few sounds command the majesty and emotional depth of a men’s chorus,” wrote organizers in a news release. “Uniting rich tenors and resonant basses, these singers do far more than perform, they carry forward a sacred tradition and capture the enduring spirit of our journey from past to present. In full voice, they remind us of the timeless power of song and honor the 250 years our country has stood in unity.”
The chorus eagerly accepts local singers to join their group. They offer a program for youth (high school/college) singers to earn a stipend/scholarship for their participation. Youth are accepted right up to and including the first concert day. Practice occurs at 1 p.m. on the first day, Aug. 6.
The Northeast Men’s Summer Chorus is conducted and accompanied by Kate Butterfield, a retired middle school choral director from Keene, New Hampshire, and Paul Scatenato, conductor of the Mendelssohn Club of Kingston, New York. Also conducting this year is Bruce Wagner, a retired conductor of the Yankee Male Chorus. Singers hail from Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Florida.
There is no admission charge. A free-will offering is taken to support local projects and charities and to defray costs. For further information, visit singingvacation.org, Facebook page: @ttbbnortheast, email lambert323@gmail.com, or call 802-233-1875.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.