Concert by the Chorus of Westerly (USA), Sunday, July 7, 9:00 pm

Since 1959, the Chorus of Westerly, a nonprofit performing arts organization, has been offering high-level musical and artistic programs in New England. Over the past 61 years, it has given nearly 700 concerts to more than 1.6 million audience members. The chorus has performed over 90 major choral works with professional orchestras and soloists, presented 14 American premieres, conducted five international tours, sung in prestigious venues like Smetana Hall and St. Peter’s Basilica, and received numerous awards. It has established regional traditions like Summer Pops, an annual event drawing 25,000 attendees. More than 2,500 locals have sung with the chorus, including 1,500 children.

The Chorus has also purchased, restored, and expanded its own venue, the historic George Kent Performance Hall, making it one of only three independent American choral organizations to own its performance space.

What makes the Chorus unique is the mixed participation of adults and children in every concert. The children sing in every performance throughout the season, regardless of the difficulty of the work. They are considered full members and must rehearse twice a week and audition before each concert. This program has given over 1,500 children the opportunity to sing masterworks by Verdi, Bach, and Beethoven with professional orchestras, a rare experience for children from a small town in the United States.

Conductor: Andrew Howell

Soloists : Kathryn Aaron, Sarah Brailey, Brad Kleyla, Devon Russo

With the participation of the Orchestre Collone de Paris

Mass in C minor by W. A. Mozart

Free admission