Holiday Concert Nov. 23—

Master Chorale Receives Dedication Of New Composition

BETHEL — The Connecticut Master Chorale, under the direction of Tina Johns Heidrich, will present its annual holiday concert on Sunday, November 23, at 3 pm, at St Mary’s Church in Bethel.

Among the works to be performed will be “Shout the News!” an exciting new spiritual which has been dedicated to the Master Chorale by its composer, Jay Althouse. This a cappella work will receive its premiere performance at the Chorale’s concert.

Over the years the chorale has performed several Althouse numbers. The group won its third McDonald’s Gospelfest competition in May with Mr Althouse’s composition “Goin’ to Bethlehem.”

“When I heard of the chorale’s successes,” Mr Althouse said, “I decided this was the perfect time to dedicate my new spiritual to this group.”

Ms Heidrich was contacted in October by the composer’s wife, Sally Albrecht, also a composer.

“We talked about you and your chorale tonight at dinner,” Ms Albrecht told Ms Reich.  “Would you and your group enjoy a special dedication?”

Ms Heidrich, who regards Mr Althouse as one of today’s finest composers, jumped at the opportunity.

“Jay Althouse has enjoyed enormous popularity in the music field, having written over 500 choral compositions,” says Ms Heidrich. “We are deeply honored by this special dedication and we are eagerly looking forward to presenting its first performance.”

The printed music, not available to the general public until March, has the dedication to Connecticut Master Chorale engraved on its title page.

The Chorale’s Holiday Concert will also feature Randall Stroope’s stunning medley “An American Christmas,” works by John Rutter, Joseph Martin, multi-cultural works, spirituals and gospel numbers, Hanukkah songs, and other festive selections.

The chorale will be accompanied by the Connecticut Master Chorale Orchestra and pianist Joseph Jacovino.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information call 743-0473 or visit www.CMChorale.org. The church is at 24 Dodgingtown Road (Route 302).