The Greater South Jersey Chorus is experiencing a season of change as it heralds a new artistic director, a new artistic residency in a new performance venue, a new board president, and a new accompanist.
“It’s all good news!” said new president, Jim Diaz. “Our chorus has been growing in artistic breadth and reputation for many years. Now, as we enter our 23rd concert season, we are excited about these new opportunities and challenges.”
Diaz, a member of the Baritone section, said the chorus plans a welcome reception in September for newly named artistic director Jason Bishop, director of Choral and Vocal Studies at Drew University in Madison. At the same time, the group will introduce its new accompanist, Maxmillian Esmus of Glassboro. He is music director at Grace Episcopal Church, Haddonfield and artistic director for the Haddonfield Center and School for the Performing Arts, headquartered at the church.
“I am thrilled about what lies on the horizon for the Greater South Jersey Chorus,” Bishop said. “I look forward to working with Max, and with the chorus and its leadership as we embark on this exciting season of new possibilities.”
Bishop said his goal is to find that “magic combination of repertoire that will create just the right meaningful experience for singers and listeners alike.” The concerts on December 12 and 14 will focus on “Holiday Traditions” while on May 15 and 17, 2015, the repertoire will feature a variety of works from the British and American choral traditions.
As newly named Artists in Residence at the HCSPA, the chorus shares that position with the well-known Symphony in C. The two groups have performed together in previous seasons.
Besides its regular formal concerts, the chorus stages an annual “Cabaret ” featuring chorus members in a nightclub setting. Scheduled for early spring 2015, members perform in a variety of genres, from jazz, and pop, to contemporary, Broadway and folk. Since its inception, the event has been consistently sold out.
Throughout the 2014–15 season, the Chamber Singers, a specially auditioned ensemble from within chorus ranks, will perform in regular concerts and in other regional events.
Established in 1992, the chorus holds rehearsals in its new Haddonfield home on Monday evenings from September through May. The group has been distinguished by consistent artistic growth, expanding audiences and increasing regional recognition. The ensemble has also performed numerous world premiers of new choral music. Auditions are currently being held for the Chorus and Chamber. Visit the website at www.greatersjchorus.org for more information or call 856–482–8282.
