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An ‘expansive’ season

The Williamsport Civic Chorus recently kicked off its 73rd year and has revealed some unexpected surprises for music lovers. The season began with the first rehearsal on Sept. 12 and will run through the final performance, set for May 27.

The non-audition community chorus of between 50 and 75 members of all ages and levels of experience, and from all walks of life, focuses primarily on classical choral works, but occasionally expands its repertoire to include popular and global influences, according to Tina Swisher, outgoing co-president and publicity chair.

“For example, a few years ago, we performed a selection of nursery rhyme-themed works for an audience comprised primarily of children and invited WVIA radio personality Fiona Powell to play Mother Goose,” Swisher said. “We have also sung in many different languages, including German, Latin and Russian, and performed such varied works as Carol Barnett’s ‘Bluegrass Mass’ and last year’s regional premier of Welsh composer Sir Karl Jenkins’ ‘Requiem,’ incorporating not only the dancers of Williamsport’s own Turning Pointe Ballet School, but a traditionally trained Japanese shakuhachi flute player.”

The Chorus’ first performances are set for Veteran’s Day weekend, when Swisher said the group will “Salute to Veterans,” at 3 p.m. Nov. 11 at Central Mountain Middle School, Mill Hall, and 3 p.m. Nov. 12 in the Klump Auditorium, Pennsylvania College of Technology. Not only will the chorus sing music honoring and commemorating those who fought and still are fighting for the country, but color guards will perform at both concerts, as well.

“The chorus is pleased to invite local veterans to attend free of charge,” Swisher said.

At 3 p.m. Feb. 5 in the Susquehanna Tower, Williamsport Regional Medical Center, Swisher invites those fans who need a refreshing break from Super Bowl Mania to attend “The Body Electric,” a concert that will celebrate sport and athletic achievement. On Feb. 14, the Chorus will join a regional chorus for the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Gustav Mahler’s second symphony, “Resurrection,” at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Arts Center, 220 W. Fourth St. This, according to the WSO, is “an opportunity to hear the best musicians and singers in the region, all united to perform one of the greatest, most profound, and transcendent symphonies of all time.”

But it is the last show of the season that Swisher said signals a real departure from the already-varied catalog, when the chorus collaborates with Uptown Music Collective for a rock concert.

“Dramatic lighting, fog machines and a pop-based repertoire will take us far out of our classical comfort zone – and we can’t wait,” Swisher said.

The concert, she added, is the brainchild of Mike Connor, the chorus’ director of one year, and UMC executive director Dave Brumbaugh. The show will begin at 7 p.m. May 27 at the Community Arts Center.

“It’s going to be an exciting, expanding, full-to-the-brim season for the Williamsport Civic Chorus,” Swisher said. “On-stage or in the audience, we hope you’ll join us.”

For more information about upcoming performances, visit www.williamsportcivicchorus.org.

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