Joyous Holiday Singing

To the Editor:

The Newtown Choral Society played to an enthusiastic crowd house when they presented their holiday concert, Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, at The Meeting House on Sunday, December 4. We were delighted to be part of the Family Counseling Center’s Holiday Festival

We would not have enjoyed such success without the help of many people. Most importantly, the members would like to thank the choir’s director, Mary Andreotta. Her ability to create a program that joined musical expertise with joyous holiday singing, as well as her expertise in melding all our voices, certainly added to the joy of the holiday season.

Maureen Kelly, our accompanist, played a big part in our success. This was Maureen’s first season with us and we appreciated her assistance and musical ability.

Shannon Hicks and Kaaren Valenta of The Newtown Bee have been a big part of our ability to attract new members as well as fill The Meeting House with as large an audience as we did. We will miss Kaaren’s participation.

We also would like to thank Sybil Blau and The News-Times for their terrific help.

And, we also thank Miracle Graphics of Bethel for their tremendous contribution in designing and printing our program. As a nice coincidence, Miracle Graphics is owned by Sara Gallo, a Newtown High School graduate.

And a special thanks goes to Carol Foss. A former choir member, Carol was visiting from New Hampshire when she gladly filled our pressing need for a ticket taker. We also thank John Berger, who was there when we needed to move our musical equipment.

Finally, we must thank my husband, Kenneth. As usual, Kenneth lent his computer expertise, his patience, and his muscle wherever it was needed.

The Newtown Choral Society, which is beginning its 20th year, will begin rehearsals for its spring concert Wednesday, January 18. Under the direction of Mary Andreotta, we welcome new members from all area towns and require only that new members have a love of singing and a willingness to learn. Call me at 426-3769 if you would like to discuss joining the Newtown Choral Society.

Laura E. Lerman

President

55 Main Street, Newtown                                       December 6, 2005