The Aiken Choral Society will perform in concert May 5.
Dr. Maureen Simpson, artistic director of the Aiken Choral Society, will present a program of "Great American Musical" numbers at St. John's United Methodist Church.
“Choral programs are not always classical in nature, and we can satisfy the tastes of a variety of audiences," Simpson said. "We are offering the CSRA a rollicking good time.
"We are expecting laughter, swaying with the music, maybe a little humming and singing along and overall, just a great afternoon of fun. Our repertoire includes songs from 'Wicked,' 'Oliver,' 'West Side Story,' 'Hair' and many more.”
The Aiken Choral Society has realized more than 30 percent growth in membership this past year, Simpson said.
“We are excited to add new singers over the age of 18. Presently, our singers range from the ages of 21 to 84 and all in between. We have 13 new singers this season, and then we have those who have been with us from 13 to 25 years, making us truly representative of the greater Aiken community over the years.
"We are comprised of music educators, professional singers, orchestral musicians, theater actors/singers as well as local church choir members — all who enjoy getting together to sing.”
John Bland, recently elected president of the Aiken Choral Society's Board of Directors, said that “the audience has grown about 25-30 percent as well this past year."
"The Aiken community is catching on that Director Simpson keeps it fresh in offering varied programming as we look forward to our Christmas Around the World Concert on Dec. 15, and Andrew Lloyd Webber and Friends concert slated for next spring," he said. "As a symphony orchestral tuba player, I know how engaging it is when you can perform different genres of music.”
The Great American Musical concert is May 5 at 3 p.m. at St. John’s United Methodist Church, located at 104 Newberry Street, NW in downtown Aiken.
“Music at St. John’s is pleased to have the Aiken Choral Society perform in our concert series," said Dr. Matt Caine, director of traditional music at St. John’s United Methodist Church. "St. John’s has a long history of having an outstanding church music program and of opening our doors to the entire CSRA community for excellent musical performances such as the one you will hear by the Aiken Choral Society. You are in for a real treat."
Bland thanks “Music at St. John’s” for opening its doors to the Aiken Choral Society. “Given that St. John’s is ADA compliant, it opens the opportunities for those who love to sing to join us regardless of any physical requirements. Joining forces with other performing arts groups, makes us better together.”
Additionally, the Aiken Choral Society plans in the fall to launch a new education initiative. The Aiken Youth Chorale will be a SATB performance choir for ages 12-18 in Aiken and surrounding counties.
Choral and band directors of Aiken County schools will be involved in nominating candidates for this vocal performing ensemble. Home schoolers and private school students are also welcomed.
The Aiken Choral Society will work with the local business community and community at large to raise support for this initiative. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.aikenchoralsociety.org.
For those interested in auditioning for this chorale, email aikenyouthchorale@gmail.com.
