Buy tickets for Granite State Choral Society presents: Handel’s “Messiah”

For more information on How To Join, click here

Rehearsals for the choral society will begin on Sunday, September 14, 2014 at the First Church Congregational, Rochester, NH from 4:00 – 6:30 pm. Registration begins at 3:15 pm on September 14. There are no auditions. Knowledge of how to read music is not a requirement, but may be helpful. Performances are scheduled for December 13-14, 2014. Online registration materials will be available soon as will a downloadable form you can fill out and bring.

This fall’s performance of Handel’s Messiah will commemorate the first performance the Granite State Choral Society ever did as a group. In 1974, the then named Rochester Community Chorus, presented the same piece under the direction of Sylvia Dowst thus fulfilling the dream of Reverend Frank Gulinello to again have a choral group in Rochester. Not since  1907, when the Rochester Oratorio Society was in existence, had there been a registered choral group in the Lilac City. This season’s performance is highly anticipated as it has been nearly a decade since the last performance by GSCS.

Concert Attire

Men — Tuxedos

Women — All Black Attire. Ladies will be able to wear an all black ensemble comprised of either a long black skirt or dress pants with a black top of their choosing. Jewelry will be each woman’s choice. We hope each woman will consider herself a jewel and dress accordingly. IMPORTANT:  In the Spring,  GSCS will be changing the women’s attire and more information is found here

All choral members are to wear black shoes and stockings and will need to have their music in a black folder which can be purchased at registration or self supplied.

Music

We will be using the Schirmer version of Handel’s Messiah. If you have a copy then you will not need to purchase a copy but can if you wish. All members will be required to purchase the choral practice CD unless you have a prior copy.

Auditioned Soloists

This performance will allow registered members to audition as a vocal soloist. One person will be selected for each voice part and will sing all the arias. If you are not selected you will sing with the chorus. Auditions will be Sept 21, 2014 with call backs on Sept 28, 2014. All singers are encouraged to audition and more information can be found here.

Cost

Currently semester membership dues are $50 payable at each registration period (Sept and Jan). GSCS will be moving to an annual membership payment as of the 2015-2016 season and as such if a member know that will be returning in the Spring they may pay for both semesters upon registering this September if so desired. We are always willing to work with members about payments to alleviate any financial concerns. Scholarships are also available and reviewed on a case by case basis.

Music costs normally average about  $25-$30 per semester and are the member’s responsibility. This semester’s music cost will be under $20

All female members planning on singing with GSCS for the spring 2015 semester will be required to pay a $50 deposit towards their new concert attire. Please read here to learn more

Please go to the  How to Join page to register and read about member responsibilities.