The Middletown Concert Chorale in its 27th year, under the direction of Danielle Cornacchio and accompanied by Sue Conklin announces its 2023 Spring Concert Series “Eternal Hope”
This season we will feature Howard Goodall’s “Eternal Light” a Requiem. This Requiem is one that acknowledges the unbelievable loss and emptiness that accompanies the death of loved ones, a loss that is not easily ameliorated with platitudes about the joy awaiting us in the afterlife giving us “Eternal Hope”.
Directly following the Requiem as usual we will present our “Cabaret” segment, which is various members presenting songs or instrumentals of their choosing for your enjoyment.
The Middletown Chorale was founded in 1996 by Eileen Mackintosh, it's first director, with a dozen singers. The Chorale has never auditioned members, and welcomes both trained singers and enthusiastic music lovers, members of the local community who share a dedication and passion for singing. New members are welcomed at the start of each season (August and January).
The mission of the Middletown Concert Chorale is to provide a venue for those who love to sing, trained or untrained, young and old. With a professional, trained director, chorale members are instructed in singing techniques and building confidence in singing both alone and with a group. The weekly two hour rehearsals create a camaraderie amongst the singers, all working hard to produce a polished final product to present to various audiences in Orange County.
A typical concert consists of a major classical work performed with piano, and when possible, with additional orchestral instruments. In addition both solo and ensemble pieces are chosen from a wide variety of musical styles, and are also typically a part of each concert. Chorale members are also highly encouraged to audition for solo and small ensemble opportunities to highlight the individual talents within the group.
Over the years, the Middletown Concert Chorale has grown in membership, and has attracted considerably larger and more diverse audiences. The MCC has performed at Carnegie Hall many times singing Handel's Nelson Mass, Beethoven's C Major Mass and Ninth Symphony, Mozart's Requiem, and most recently, Dan Forrest's Requiem for the Living in collaboration with directors and other choral ensembles from around the United States. The MCC has also collaborated with the Warwick Valley Chorale, the West Point Glee Club, and other local choirs in performance with the Greater Newburgh Symphony for their December performance of Handel's Messiah.
In accordance with our mission, our music is available to all, and we welcome anyone and everyone to come join us each week and share your voice, or to join us at our performances at the end of each season to allow us to share our love of music with you!