| Cary Choral Artists and Chamber Choir |
About Cary Choral Artists and The Chamber Choir
Past and Future Concert Events
Other special performing ensembles
Audition requirements
Beginning with the performances of Brahms’ "Liebeslieder Waltzes" in November 1998 by a 23-member ensemble, Concert Singers of Cary introduced a new and exciting element into its concerts with chamber choirs composed of more experienced singers. Additional chamber choirs were assembled for a full program of a cappella music in August 1999 (Behold, I am a Bell and for a presentation of several movements of Susa's "Carols and Lullabies" during the 1999 Christmas concert. The format was applied to a complete concert featuring European Sacred Music in March 2001.
In 2002, Concert Singers of Cary established these classical-oriented chamber programs as a distinct performance identity called Cary Choral Artists. Cary Choral Artists is an ensemble of 4 – 16 voices that are trained vocal music professionals who perform music largely from the Renaissance, Baroque (often with period instruments) and 20th/21st centuries. Members are usually voice teachers, music classroom teachers and church musicians with solo capable vocal training and a love of ensemble singing. Rehearsal schedules are project based and membership is by invitation on a project-by-project basis. Singers are not required to be active participants of the Symphonic Choir and are often hired for their services as soloists.
A parallel ensemble is the Chamber Choir which was firmly defined in 2004. The Chamber Choir is a choir of 36– 40 voices that complete a more rigorous audition process and sings music of all styles that is designed for smaller choirs. Singers should have a high level of experience in singing in foreign languages and be highly skilled music readers. Chamber Choir members are required to be active participants in the Symphonic Choir.
Cary Choral Artists and The Chamber Choir include Concert Singers of Cary's most skilled and experienced singers. Its growing repertoire, while classical in focus, includes both early and modern works. Its September 2003 program included not only classical works by Farrant, Liszt and Allegri but also entirely modern compositions by Gawthrop and Barber among others. Its January 2004 and November 2004 programs included contemporary works by Stephen Paulus and others. Other repertoire has included settings by Palestrina, Bach, Mendelssohn, and others. Recently, the chamber choir demonstrated its skills at the September 2006 conference of the ACDA-NC in Greensboro.
When these chamber choirs are created, preference is given to singers who have successfully auditioned
for the CSC
Chamber Ensemble Membership Roster and Professional Singers list. There is no
fixed or permanent chamber choir membership. Read the special ensembles
invitation policy for more information on how these choirs are selected.
Songs by Brahms, November 8, 1998
Behold, I am a Bell: a cappella music through the ages, August 1, 1999
Christmas Perspectives, December 19, 1999
European Sacred Classics, March 3, 2001
Laud to the Nativity, January 13, 2002
Journey to the Light, September 29, 2002
Heart Renderings, January 11, 2004
Life, Love and Hope: Living 21st Century Composers, November 20, 2004
Bach and Handel, April 16, 2005
Baroque Chamber Classics, October 8, 2005
World Music, November 11, 2005
Anthems, Carols and Holiday Songs, December 17, 2005
Pope Marcellus Mass, April 8, 2006
Updated 12 August 2006 |
