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On Sunday, June 3, 2012 at 3 pm, the Connecticut Choral Society will perform Ralph Vaughan Williams’ monumental work, “A Sea Symphony” at the Naugatuck Valley Community College Fine Arts Center in Waterbury.
This epic work is rarely performed due to the complexity of the music and the requirements for a large orchestra. For this performance, the CCS will be joined by its “sister” ensemble, the New Jersey Choral Society, which will swell the chorus to over 160 voices. Both choral societies are under the direction of Maestro Eric Dale Knapp and have sung together in Carnegie Hall and at benefit concerts in both Danbury and New Milford. The performance will be accompanied by a symphonic orchestra and will feature world class soloists Jessica Rivera and Mark Womack.
Ms. Rivera, a soprano, has been praised by the San Francisco Chronicle for her “effortless precision and tonal luster.” The New York Times has described her as “vocally luminous”. Baritone Mark Womack has garnered continuous praise for his vocal interpretations in both the operatic and theatrical worlds. Most recently the Opera News described his voice as “strikingly warm, gracefully honey-toned.”
To inspire and prepare the audience for the performance, “Visions of the Sea,” an exhibit of seascapes painted by area artists, will greet the public as they enter the Fine Arts Center. Ira Barkoff, West Cornwall, and Joanne Conant, Newtown, CT will display their maritime paintings.
There will also be a pre-concert talk ("The Nautical Legacy of Ralph Vaughan Williams") at 2 p.m. Doors will open for the art exhibit at 1 p.m. at the Naugatuck Valley Community College Fine Arts Center, 770 Chase Parkway, Waterbury.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ctchoralsociety.org. Ticket prices for adults are $25. Youth tickets for those 18 and under are $15. All seats are reserved.