Saturday, March 4, 2023
(Boston) The Handel and Haydn Society Youth Choruses are partnering with the Hampshire Young People’s Chorus from Northampton for a joint concert in Amherst, MA on March 4. The choruses will combine to perform several selections on the concert including “Music of Life” by B.E. Boykin, “Sesere Eeye” arranged by Mark O’Leary and “Whenever the Wind Is High” by Todd McNeal. The program also includes repertoire performed by each ensemble. The 3:30 PM concert at the Grace Episcopal Church is free and open to the public. No tickets are required.
The concert is the product of two years of anticipation between the youth choruses. These ensembles first collaborated virtually in 2021 via Zoom. The organizations held joint rehearsals and even participated in a “virtual choir” recording project during the pandemic. The March 4 concert will be the first time the groups have met in person.
“These talented young musicians developed a strong bond when we first met online two years ago and it will be truly rewarding to see them meet face to face for the first time and make incredible music,” said HHYC Conductor Dr. Jennifer Kane.
As part of the collaboration, both choruses will take part in a special choral workshop on the morning of March 4 with UMass Amherst’s Interim Director of Choral Activities and member of the H+H Chorus Lindsay Pope. The workshop will focus on combined repertoire that the two ensembles will perform and on building deeper connections with the singers.
The H+H Youth Choruses inspire and unite young people ages 7-18 through transformative experiences with music in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Singers gather on Saturdays in Brookline to sing choral ensembles, have small group vocal instruction, and participate in weekly musicianship classes. Singers in HHYC collaborate with other youth choral ensembles, perform throughout New England and on tour, and work regularly with professional artists including the H+H Orchestra and Chorus. H+H offers seven youth choral ensembles to meet the skills and interest of every youth artist.
The Handel and Haydn Society Youth Choruses and the Hampshire Young People’s Chorus from Northampton perform a joint concert in Amherst, MA on March 4th at Grace Episcopal Church, 14 Boltwood Ave, Amherst, MA at 3:30 PM. Admission is free, and tickets are not required.
About the Handel and Haydn Society
Boston’s Grammy-winning Handel and Haydn Society is dedicated to performing Baroque and Classical music with a freshness, a vitality, and a creativity that inspires all ages. H+H has been captivating audiences for 208 consecutive seasons (the most of any performing arts organization in the United States). Today, H+H’s Orchestra and Chorus delight more than 50,000 listeners annually with a nine-week subscription series at Boston Symphony Hall and other leading venues. Through the Karen S. and George D. Levy Education Program, H+H supports seven youth choirs of singers in grades 2-12 and provides thousands of complimentary tickets to students and communities throughout Boston, ensuring the joy of music is accessible to all. H+H’s numerous free community concerts include an annual commemoration of the original 1863 Emancipation Proclamation concert on December 31. H+H has released 16 CDs on the Coro label and has toured nationally and internationally. In all these ways, H+H fulfills its mission to inspire the intellect, touch the heart, elevate the soul, and connect us with our shared humanity through transformative experiences with Baroque and Classical music.
About Hampshire Young People’s Chorus
Hampshire Young People’s Chorus (YPC) is an award-winning youth choir for singers ages 8-16, offering children the opportunity to experience choral singing in a joyful and welcoming atmosphere. Healthy vocal technique and fundamental music skills are taught through singing a wide range of music from many styles and traditions. The choir’s roster currently includes nearly 30 young people from 7 different towns, divided into two age divisions – Concert Choir and Chamber Singers.