COMMUNITY CHORUS FESTIVAL FEATURES FIVE AREA CHORUSES

The Greater Milford Community Chorus (GMCC) is one of five choruses that will perform at the New England Area Community Chorus Association (NEACCA) Chorus Festival at the recently renovated Hanover Theatre on Main Street in downtown Worcester.  The festival will perform one concert only, on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 7 p.m. 

NEACCA was inspired by a local chorus director who had a vision.  Last summer, GMCC was invited to participate in the formation of NEACCA.  Since that time, we have brought together members of five New England community choirs, over 200 voices, and five directors representing over 30 cities and towns in Central Massachusetts to present the largest recorded Community Chorus Concert and Festival in New England.  NEACCA's mission is to support and strengthen community choirs in New England by providing information, best practices, leadership development, advocacy, fundraising and networking and performance opportunities.

Participating choruses in addition to GMCC are:  Apple Tree Arts Community Chorus (Grafton), Blackstone Valley Community Chorus, Greater Auburn Community Chorus, and Westborough Community Chorus.  Each group will perform four songs from their spring concert with their own director and accompanist during the first half of the program.  Following intermission, 220 singers will appear on stage at once.  Each director has chosen one piece for the entire chorus to sing under his/her direction.

The Apple Tree Arts Community Chorus began singing six years ago.  Their repertoire includes a variety of styles, including light classical, jazz, folk and pop music.  The group regularly invites area youth and adult musical groups to perform with them.  The director is Donna Blanchard.

The Blackstone Valley Community Chorus, directed by Diane Pollard, was formed in 2004 and currently has a membership of 54 singers.  Audiences at their concerts are treated to a wide variety of a cappella and accompanied music.  BVCC also features a Men's Quartet, a Women's Quartet, and a Chamber group whose repertoire includes madrigals, chorals, ancient songs, and other interesting and challenging pieces.

The Greater Auburn Community Chorus was founded by director Chares J. Pietrello in 2003 to promote intergenerational community involvement through song. GACC is a community based non-auditioned chorus serving the greater Auburn area.

In 2008, The Greater Milford Community Chorus celebrated 35 years under the direction of Donald Thatcher.  GMCC programs include traditional choral pieces, Broadway show tunes, holiday music, spirituals, novelty songs, and popular old standards.  Mary Jo Rett is the accompanist.

Founded in 1971, the Westborough Community Chorus is currently directed by Deb Lukey.  The chorus is comprised of an average of 70 singers of all ages and musical backgrounds.  The group presents two shows a year. Each production is staged with original and creative set designs, colorful costumes and original choreography.

Tickets for the Community Chorus Festival are $15.00 for general admission and $22.00 for premium seating; wine social and premium concert seats are $35.00.  Tickets are available through all five choruses and at the Hanover Theatre Box Office.  For group ticket information call 781-504-7300, or e-mail Chorus_GMCC@yahoo.com or Hanover Theatre at 877-571-SHOW.