Maria van Kalken, director of the Old North Festival Chorus and minister of music at Old North Church, has extended a “warm and enthusiastic welcome” to all singers who would like to join the Old North Festival Chorus for the Lenten Choral Concert.
Interested singers of high school age and beyond are encouraged to join, regardless of whether they are newcomers or seasoned veterans of this chorus. There are no auditions, and it’s unnecessary to be a church or chorus member to join, but prior choral experience is required.
“Music transcends so many things, and I think right now we’ve never ever needed more to be in a room together, and when we sing together, it doesn’t matter what background you’re from,” van Kalken said. “It really pulls people together. It’s a very ethereal experience.”
She emphasized that “for concert-goers, it doesn’t matter what faith you are. You won’t be feeling like you’re going to church.”
According to van Kalken, “The choral centerpiece of the Lenten Concert will feature Dan Forrest’s stunningly beautiful ‘Requiem For the Living,’ originally programmed in 2020, but abruptly halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“In the composer’s own words, this is to be performed ‘just as much for the living and their own struggle with pain and sorrow as for the dead,’” van Kalken added.
Singers will be expected to purchase a score or bring their own previously purchased score of Dan Forrest’s “Requiem” to rehearsals. Those who need to purchase a score will be able to do so at registration. There will also be a registration fee of $20, which will go toward production costs.
Registration and the first rehearsal will take place, Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall of Old North Church. Rehearsals will be every Wednesday evening from Feb. 26-April 9 from 7:30-9:15 p.m. There will also be a mandatory dress rehearsal with the orchestra on April 12 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
The actual performance will be on Palm Sunday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m. Members of the Old North Senior Choir, soloists, singers from the Old North Festival Chorus, and the Old North Festival Orchestra will present a 60-minute concert to mark the beginning of Holy Week.
If any community members or potential singers have any questions, reach out to van Kalken at vankalken@gmail.com.
