The Augusta Choral Society celebrates its 70th season in 2021-2022 with an ambitious repertoire beginning with Haydn’s “Creation” Saturday at St. Paul’s Church.
“For our 70th season, we wanted to do things that were interesting for singers to sing, and music people would want to come hear,” said Carolyn Dolen, the choral society’s executive director.
Franz Joseph Hadyn’s “Creation” was inspired by George Frederic Handel’s “Messiah” and “Israel In Egypt,” which Haydn heard on trips to England in the 1790s, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica’s website.
After an extended concert tour, he returned with a libretto related to the creation story in John Milton’s epic poem “Paradise Lost.” With Haydn’s patron, Haydn agreed to write the original piece in German.
Haydn’s “Creation” features several soloists including Diana Thompson-Brewer, soprano; Timothy Miller, tenor; and Washington Isaac Holmes, bass.
Dolen said the piece also includes a small selection featuring a mezzo-soprano. For that, Kathryn Geoffroy will come out of the chorus to sing.
Conducted by J. Porter Stokes, the concert will include live music by the Lyra Vivace Chamber Orchestra.
The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $15-$35.
Dolen said the group is excited to be performing again after the pandemic hiatus.
“It was December 2019 since we last performed. We were practicing for our March 2020 concert. The Monday before our concert, it was apparent we would have to cancel,” she said.
The next concert will be Handel’s “Messiah,” which Dolen said is always popular.
A twist on the favorite will be a singalong of sorts.
Stokes is inviting those who may have sung “Messiah” with another choral ensemble to bring their scores and take part in the concert.
The holiday concert will be Dec. 4 at St. Paul’s Church
“Messiah” was the first concert the choral society produced under its first director Emily Remington, who died in July 2020, at the age of 103.
During Lent of 2022, the choral society will present Karl Jenkins’ “Stabat Mater.”
Dolen said the choir performed “Stabat Mater” several years ago and many concert-goers said it was the most powerful piece they’d ever heard the group present.
“Stabat Mater” will be March 19 at Sacred Heart Cultural Center.
The season ends with the annual Armed Services Day/Memorial Day tribute to those who’ve served in the military. The concert also honors first responders and health care workers.
It will be May 24 at Sacred Heart.
Season ticket packages are still available as well as individual tickets. For ticket information, visit augustacs.org or call (706) 826-4713.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
