Chorus Angelicus
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Chorus Angelicus (translates from Latin to "The Angelic Choir") is composed of approximately 50 children ages 8 to 17 who travel from over 15 surrounding towns and cities from Northwestern Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York for twice-weekly rehearsals to receive training in the art of singing, reading, and understanding music and music theory.
Most children enter Chorus Angelicus with an ordinary background in singing and try out at auditions because they simply like to sing. What eventually makes all of them extraordinary is their hard work, commitment and passion for music. They become highly accomplished musicians by first learning to make their own voices sing rhythmically, harmoniously, and purely, and then by blending their voices into the choir to create the unique sound that is Chorus Angelicus. Along the way, they learn self-respect, confidence, and a willingness to strive for results of the highest caliber in all aspects of their lives.
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[edit] The choirs
Chorus Angelicus consists of three choirs, each of which have divisions.
The Senior Choir, directed by Paul Halley, is the main performing choir. Members of the Senior Choir fall in either the Regular Chorister or Senior Chorister category, the latter being the most experienced members of Chorus Angelicus. Also, a few choristers are asked to return the year after graduation as Choral Scholars - they serve as mentors to the rest of the choir and perform alongside them.
The Junior Choir is a rigorous training for younger, less experienced members of Chorus Angelicus. The Tyros consist of newcomers to Chorus Angelicus, and are given opportunity to move to the next level as a Junior Chorister as the year and their skills progress. The Junior Choir is currently directed by Julie Bickford, graduate of The Hartt School.
The Training Choir, directed by Karen Sovak, was formed in 1998 to address the growing need for quality ear and vocal training among younger singers. There is no audition necessary; just a love of singing. The training choir, boasting roughly 30 members, performs its own small concerts throughout the year for parents and friends. Many members of the Training Choir go on to audition for Chorus Angelicus. The Training Choir is divided into two small groups: The Training Choir and the Advanced Training Choir.
Opportunities to achieve a higher level exist throughout the year as the choristers' voices develop. Choristers are elevated to higher status within the choir at an annual Investiture Service.
[edit] The team
Chorus Angelicus is currently led by Artistic Director Paul Halley.
[edit] Head choristers
Every year, members of Chorus Angelicus elect two eligible choristers to be Head Choristers. Recent Head Choristers are:
- 2005-2006: Lily Johnston, Charlie Mandino
- 2004-2005: David Anctil, Theresa Degan
- 2003-2002: David Anctil, Alison Hodgkin
- 2002-2001: Rebecca Palmer, Jonathan Rogers
- 2000-2001: Jolanta Lorenc, Andrew Thomson
[edit] Discography
| Year | Cover | Title | Featuring |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 |  |
What Child is This? | Chorus Angelicus & Gaudeamus Directed by Paul Halley |
| 2001 |  |
A Christmas Peace | Chorus Angelicus & Gaudeamus Directed by Paul Halley |
| 2000 |  |
Untraveled Worlds | Chorus Angelicus Directed by Paul Halley |
| 1996 |  |
Wondrous Love | Chorus Angelicus & Gaudeamus with the Battell Brass Directed by Paul Halley |
| 1995 |  |
Christmas Angelicus | Chorus Angelicus & Gaudeamus Directed by Paul Halley |
| 1994 |  |
Voices of Light | Chorus Angelicus Directed by Paul Halley |
[edit] Program
Chorus Angelicus annually presents three main programs: Christmas Angelicus, Salute to America, and Music for a Great Space.
