Choral Program Highlighted in December 2015 Concerts

Montclair State University’s choral program took center stage in December 2015 for two concert events that closed out the year: the 2015 Beatrice Crawford Memorial Concert on December 6 and Handel’s Messiah with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra on December 20. 

The 2015 Beatrice Crawford Memorial Concert featured the Montclair State University Chorale, under the direction of Director of Choral Activities Heather Buchanan, and a guest choir, Cantori New York, under the direction of Mark Shapiro. The performance provided a unique opportunity to experience some very original music and exciting artists.

The 165-member Chorale performed Alzheimer’s Stories, an uplifting composition by composer Robert Cohen and librettist Herschel Garfein, which acknowledges the devastating effects of the disease but also focuses on hope and the strength of the human spirit.

Joined by internationally renowned soloists Adriana Zabala (mezzo-soprano) and Keith Phares (baritone), and a 15-member chamber orchestra comprising 11 professional instrumentalists and four percussion students, the Chorale performed the work in front of an appreciative audience that included many alumni.

In addition to performing Alzheimer’s Stories, students in the Chorale also engaged in community outreach efforts focusing on Alzheimer’s awareness. They participated in fundraising for Alzheimer’s research, and opened the dress rehearsal for the performance to the community with a special invitation to attend going out to Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers, as well as family and friends of the performers. Performers wore special t-shirts to promote Alzheimer’s awareness and Alzheimer’s awareness pins were given out at the concert.

Following the concert, the alumni and friends in attendance enjoyed an intimate reception with the President Susan A. Cole in the George Segal Gallery following the concert. They had the opportunity to hear from John J. Cali School of Music Director Robert Cart, Professor Buchanan, three student performers and Dr. Cole. They also had the chance to meet student performers as well as the composer, librettist and guest artists.

On December 20, the Montclair State University Singers, under the direction of Professor Buchanan, joined the New Jersey Symphony Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Jacques Lacombe, in a magnificent performance of Handel’s Messiah at the beautiful New Jersey Performing Arts Center. The performance featured soloists Celena Shafer (soprano), Adriana Zabala (mezzo-soprano), William Burden (tenor) and Dashon Burton (bass-baritone).

Alumni, faculty and friends of the University came together to view the performance. Following the performance, Dr. Cole hosted a small dinner. Alumni and had the opportunity to meet some of our music students and enjoyed a festive song performed by the Singers.

Upcoming choral events in 2016 include performances of Mendelssohn’s music for A Midsummer Night’s Dream featuring the University’s women’s choir, Prima Voce, with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, January 29-31, and a performance of Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms by the Montclair State University Singers and guest artists on April 23.