The Choral Society of the Hamptons Hits 70 With a Dynamic Season
The Choral Society of the Hamptons will celebrate its 70th anniversary season with a dramatic selection of works suitable for such an event, including a work commissioned from Victoria Bond to be performed early next summer.
The other scheduled concerts will take place during the December holiday season and the end of winter.
The society was founded in 1945 by Charlotte Rogers, a pianist, organist, and director of church choirs who became well known in the Hamptons during a long and fruitful career.
Ms. Bond’s piece will be based on the biblical story of Moses and will be a world premiere from the noted composer and conductor, who has a house in East Hampton. In a press release, Ms. Bond stated that she was fascinated by Moses, “because he reluctantly assumed the role of lawgiver and leader and had difficulty accepting the enormous challenge that was required of him. I want to explore the human side of him, not the icon he has become.” That program will also include Beethoven’s Mass in C.
The other programs, planned for the season and developed by Mark Mangini, the society’s musical director, include Ottorino Respighi’s “Laud to the Nativity,” a cantata. The piece by the melodist, known for his “Pines” and “Fountains” of Rome, will be presented in two back-to-back performances with other festive works at the Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church on Dec. 6.
On March 20, Gabriel Faure’s “Requiem” and Bach’s Cantata No. 4, “Christ Lay in Death’s Bonds” will provide moving melodies from different centuries at the East Hampton Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Mangini, who has led the society for 13 years, will conduct all three performances. The singers will be accompanied by players from the South Fork Chamber Orchestra and noted soloists from the New York metropolitan area.
Those interested in joining the society are welcome at the season’s first rehearsal on Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church, and to schedule an audition for the following Monday.
The society also welcomes tax-deductible gifts and support from businesses of many kinds, as tickets only cover a portion of its expenses. Information on auditions, concerts, and donations is available at the society’s website.