Kearsarge Chorale
Artistic Director: David Almond
The Kearsarge Chorale brings together area singers dedicated to the performance of great choral music. The Chorale, founded in 2009, continues to grow in stature and audience by presenting beautiful music in live performance to audiences in the New London area. Our 2011–2012 season opened with a concert of music by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Gustav Holst, and Daniel Kallman on October 30, 2011. Our spring concert, featuring music associated with the St. Olaf Choir, is on Sunday, May 13, 3 p.m. in the auditorium of the Sawyer Fine Arts Center at Colby-Sawyer College.
Kearsarge Chorale Background
A group of singers gathered in the fall of 2008 to prepare and perform a concert to honor the life and music of Ralph Vaughan Williams. After singing together for a few weeks, the group was enthusiastic to continue and formed the Chorale. We are a now a regional volunteer chorus based in New London with members from many Kearsarge-area towns; we welcome singers to join with us in the joy of singing. To date, our support comes from dues paid by singers, donations made by our friends and free-will collections taken at our concerts. Our concerts may be enhanced by professional instrumental ensembles and vocal soloists.
The Chorale performs two concerts each year, typically in October and May, and joins with other area singers in presenting the Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols at the First Baptist Church in New London. Our well-attended concert in October 2009, A Royal Musick, presented works of Purcell, Handel and Parry –“ rich music for special occasions in the history of the British monarchy.”
Organization/Membership
Under the leadership of our artistic director, David L. Almond, we have grown to a roster of almost 70 singing members and more than 90 contributing friends, many of whom are also singers. David’s career as a choral conductor spans 50 years, and he has extensive experience as a teacher, lecturer, baritone soloist, accompanist, conductor, and composer. He is an Associate of the American Guild of Organists.
As of 2009, Kearsarge Chorale is recognized by the State of New Hampshire as a not-for-profit corporation. We are governed by an advisory board consisting of 8 board members and officers.
Contact Us
Membership in the Chorale is open to anyone who wishes to experience the joy of making great music and is willing to put in the time and effort to help perfect its performance. An informal interview with the director is required. Prospects are encouraged to “drop in” on a rehearsal at the First Baptist Church where they are held most Monday evenings from 7:15 to 8:45.
If you are interested in singing with us, contact David Almond, 603.526.2110. To contact Kearsarge Chorale on other matters, please call us at (603) 526-4559. Our e-mail address is KearsargeChorale@gmail.com.
(Photographs courtesy of Dick Katz & Carol Weatherbee.)
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