Saginaw Choral Society Showcases Eclectic Mix

    icon Aug 31, 2006
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As they embark upon their 71st season, The Saginaw Choral Society (SCS) has garnered a noted reputation at the pinnacle of Tri-City fine arts groups.

A 100-member, fully auditioned, and completely volunteer performance ensemble, each season the group strives to present a strong mix of classical, contemporary, and popular concerts for the community. In addition to strong critical acclaim, the group has received national awards & honors and built a substantial regional following - not an easy task in this age of ring tones and downloads.

For the past two decades, SCS has presented an annual Choral Society Christmas Concert featuring a myriad of internationally acclaimed artists, including Andy Williams, Tony Bennett, Doc Severinsen, Rosemary Clooney, Michael Feinstein, Burt Bacharach, Lee Greenwood and Brian d/Arcy James. They have also appeared with the inimitable Dave Brubeck, The Boys Choir of Harlem, and Bay City's own Kevin Cole.

By providing mentoring opportunities, in-school performances and concert ticket incentives, the Choral Society advances vocal art appreciation and nurtures young talent, awarding scholarships for summer music study at the famed Interlochen Music Camp.

For the 2206-2007 concert season, a special performance by David Haas will commence their 71st year of performances. A Bridgeport and Diocese of Saginaw native, Haas is highly regarded as one of the preeminent contemporary Christian music composers in the English-speaking world. Backed by a chamber ensemble of Choral Society singers, he opens the season in the glorious St. Mary's Cathedral at 7:30 PM.

The SCS  'Choral Series' will kick off with a presentation of Homecoming on October 19 & 20th at Horizons Conference Center. Last year SCS staged a successful theme production entitled 'Prom', and according to Tammy Grefe, "This year's presentation will be even better, with more surprises and even more nostalgia. This performance will have you dreaming of football games and cheek to cheek dancing in your high school gym.

Cocktails & hors d'oeuvres will start at 6:30 PM, dinner at 7:00 PM, with concert and dancing at 8:15 PM.

Few singers have exhibited the staying power of Judy Collins. For nearly 45 illustrious years her dulcet tones have graced our ears, and her poetic lyrics have galvanized a generation. On December 9th, the SCS will present an exceptional performance by this talented artist in a showcase 23rd Annual Holiday Concert at the Temple Theatre with the Saginaw Youth Chorale at 3:00 & 8:00 PM.

The first performance of 2007 will begin with the 3rd Annual Members Recital at First Congregational Church at 7:30 PM.  A musical potpourri of everything from Amazing Grace to Somewhere Over the Rainbow will be presented non-stop in a delightful and eclectic feast for the years.

To take away the chill of the winter months, a concert version of Meredith Wilson's homegrown story of Harold Hill and Marian the Librarian will be presented in The Music Man at the Dow Event Center on February 24th at 8 PM. The Choral Society promises to do every single tune in this quintessential slice of Americana, featuring wonderful music, engaging characters, and an uplifting story.

On April 21st the Saginaw Choral Society will present an encore performance of Loose Caboose, one of the seminal folk & bluegrass groups from the '70s and '80s. Last year the reunion of original members Tim Grefe, Chris Barton, Dave Eggebrecht and John Hagaman filled the Temple Theatre to capacity, and this year promises no exception.

Season tickets can be obtained by contacting the Saginaw Choral Society at 326 S. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, MI 48607 or by phoning 989-753-1812.

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