Voices Raised In Song

To the Editor:

The Newtown Choral Society played to an enthusiastic crowd as they presented their holiday concert last Saturday at the Newtown Meeting House. The program included Matthew Harris’s musical cantata “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” with original text by Dylan Thomas.

Under the skillful direction of Mary Andreotta, the choir added traditional songs of the season as well as lighter holiday pieces. The program also included an audience sing of “O, Come All Ye Faithful.” Susan Anthony-Klein, our accompanist, supported the choir with her usual professionalism and zeal.

Emma Burns was our page-turner. Our ticket-taking team was headed up by Steve Solaski and included Tyler and Alyssa Ruefenacht and Ian and Harry Solaski. Robert Nolte added his percussion talent.

We would like to thank The Newtown Bee for their support, but especially Nancy Crevier, who kept our name before the public.

We were lucky to have the talent and effort of Sarah Gallo Becker, whose expertise and talent produced an outstanding program, as well as Luis of L&S Printing in Danbury for the actual booklet. We thank Peter and Andrea Andrew for opening their gracious home for our after concert gathering. We also thank the members of the choir who moved our musical equipment.

Members Anita Corbeil, Denise Kaiser, and Chuck Magoulos handled the after concert details and, once again, Peg Heetmann fulfilled the board position of treasurer. We thank them all.

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 in its 24th year, will begin rehearsals for its spring concert in January under the direction of Mary Andreotta. We are a nonaudition choir and welcome new members of all ages, from all area towns, and have openings in all voices. If it is your time to raise your voice in song in a supportive environment, contact me at 203-426-3769 or lel-choir2@se-ltd.com if you would like to discuss joining the Newtown Choral Society. We perform two concerts a year, sing at local events and weddings and practice Wednesday evenings at the Newtown Middle School.

Laura E. Lerman

President

55 Main Street, Newtown                                       December 14, 2010