Rehearsals to resume for fall performances, Chorus to honor Plymouth’s 400th in commemorative concert
McGRATHPR.com – Pilgrim Festival Chorus (PFC), the region’s principal not-for-profit community choral ensemble, invites singers from the South Shore area to Open Auditions on Mondays, August 23 and 30, at 6:30 pm. Co-Artistic Directors William B. Richter and Elizabeth Chapman Reilly will welcome newcomers of all skill levels to learn about PFC and audition for vocal placement, if they wish, at Faith Community Church (formerly United Methodist Church), 29 Carver Road, Plymouth. Rehearsals for the fall season begin at 7 pm immediately following.
In October, PFC performs a special concert, “A Pilgrim Journey: Songs of Faith and Courage”, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the landing of the Mayflower. Originally planned for October 2020, this concert focuses on the faith and courage of the Mayflower’s passengers. The program features the premiere of a specially commissioned work by Massachusetts composer Clifton J. Noble Jr., “Arrived in Good Harbor”. Noble worked closely with PFC’s directors to create a work that incorporates texts written by William Bradford (1590-1657), noted Governor of the Plymouth Colony and a signatory of the Mayflower Compact.
Also on the program, a work by American composer, Alice Parker, who is herself a national treasure, having promoted America’s musical heritage over a career that spans decades. PFC’s performs her work “Melodious Accord”, the first in the region in many years. The composition features shape-note singing, a truly unique element of American music, and one that portrays both religious expression and thanksgiving. The program will be accompanied by brass quartet and harp.
Immediately following this performance, PFC launches rehearsals for their annual holiday season concert, “Remembering Christmas Past”. The program explores five centuries of seasonal music, including favorites from past concerts.
Rehearsals are regularly held on Monday nights from 7 to 9 pm. The concert “Pilgrim Journey”performs on October 23 and 24; “Remembering Christmas Past”performs on December 4 and 5. All concerts are held at St. Bonaventure Parish, 803 State Road, Plymouth.
Founded in 1999, PFC is an auditioned, volunteer choral ensemble with about 80 active members,
representing all skill levels, dedicated to the performance of diverse genres of choral music. The group
typically performs major concerts each winter and spring, and often a Messiah Sing in December. Pilgrim Festival Singers, a PFC offshoot ensemble, performs an annual summer concert of lighter music, and occasionally sings at local community events.
For more information about membership and auditions, contact Co-Artistic Director William Richter at 781-789-3343 or email director@pilgrimfestivalchorus.org. For more information about this season’s schedule and repertoire, please visit the PFC website at pilgrimfestivalchorus.org, email info@pilgrimfestivalchorus.org, or follow Pilgrim Festival Chorus on Facebook.
About Pilgrim Festival Chorus
Since 1999, Pilgrim Festival Chorus (PFC) has served the South Shore as a volunteer, not-for-profit community singing ensemble dedicated to performing choral music in public and private concerts; to providing music education to its members and the public; and to encouraging and promoting the performance of quality choral music. More than 80 vocalists of all adult ages fill out the ensemble. Traditionally, PFC presents a major choral work each spring, holiday season concert performances, annual Messiah Sings in December, and summer concerts featuring pops-style repertoire. PFC is funded in part by grants from many of the region’s Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. PFC performances are produced in part by cooperation with See Plymouth and Plymouth County Commissioners. For more information about PFC, please visit pilgrimfestivalchorus.org, or follow Pilgrim Festival Chorus on Facebook.
