State College Choral Society announces ‘A Grand Return’

Submitted by SCCS

STATE COLLEGE — When the singers of the State College Choral Society gathered for their first rehearsal in the fall of 2021, they faced pandemic-era challenges. The members, all vaccinated, sang through masks and performed in front of video cameras — not a live audience — for their Christmas concert. These precautions paid off in a healthy and successful holiday performance. Today, the SCCS looks forward to an ambitious spring concert performed in front of an audience, in a welcome restoration of the live music experience.

Aptly titled “A Grand Return,” the choral society’s spring concert will take place at Penn State’s Recital Hall on Sunday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m. It features a range of choral jewels, from Schubert’s “Mass in G” to Eric Whitacre’s gorgeous little “Seal Lullaby,” accompanied by oboe, horn, violins, cello and percussion.

“This, our first concert since the pandemic, celebrates the community we share as we return to the stage with guest instrumentalists,” says Artistic Director Dr. Russell Shelley. “Resuming our weekly rehearsals has been a great encouragement. Bringing our music to the stage is another step toward revitalizing community-based live choral music in the Centre region.”

Tickets for the spring concert will be available from the Choral Society’s website, or from the members themselves.