The South Hadley Chorale was founded in 1984 as the South Hadley Community Chorus to celebrate Bach’s 300th anniversary. Under the direction of the founder, Dr. Barbara Conant, Bach’s Mass in B minor was performed in the inaugural year. We now rehearse each year starting in October and, in March, perform with orchestra and soloists a concert consisting of one or more classical masterworks. Our members are drawn from South Hadley, Massachusetts and surrounding Pioneer Valley communities.
Jonathan Harvey returns for his second season as conductor of SHC. Our accompanist is Richard Matteson. Our March 2012 concert will include Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem, Vivaldi’s Gloria and Mendelssohn’s Verleih uns Frieden. The South Hadley Children's Chorus will join with us to perform Kirke Mechem’s Las Americas Unidas.
Over the years we have performed a variety of major choral works by Bach, Beethoven, Bizet, Brahms, Bruckner, Dvorak, Handel, Haydn, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Rutter, Schubert and Vivaldi. We continue to welcome new singers. While there are no auditions, most of the men and women have had some choral singing experience. Members are asked to pay minimal dues ($35 in 2011-12) and for the cost of their music. Partial scholarships are available. Please contact us for information about how to become a member.
The South Hadley Children’s Chorus takes part in our March concert along with appearances in a number of public concerts throughout the year.
