Chorus of the Southern
Finger Lakes
The Chorus of the Southern Finger Lakes, directed by William Cowdery, is an enthusiastic community of volunteer musicians who perform with the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes. Boasting on average 60 voices, and for some performances up to 80, the Chorus makes it possible for us to perform some of the greatest musical works, such as Handel's "Messiah" or Mozart's "Requiem." If needed, a reduced chorus size may be used to accommodate the more intimate repertoire with finesse.
There's nothing quite like singing with a full symphony orchestra. The experience has been called "powerful," "life-affirming," and "breathtaking." Chorus members come back year after year to perform with the region's premier professional symphony orchestra. |
The entire Chorus typically performs twice each season with Maestro Toshiyuki Shimada and the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes:
The Holiday Concert at the Clemens Center in Elmira. The chorus sing carols and holiday favorites, as well as classics such as Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and newly commissioned pieces such as The Miracle of Hanukkah by Avner Finberg.
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The Spring Concert at the Clemens Center in Elmira has featured classical works such as excerpts from Brahms’ German Requiem and favorite opera choruses including Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from Nabucco by Verdi, and Toreador Song from Carmen by Bizet.
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Smaller subgroups from the Chorus prepare and perform for a variety of special events. Most recently an octet performed at Sparkle in Corning and at the Arts Council's Awards Ceremony. Previously a women's chorus subgroup performed on the opening concert with the OSFL in "Neptune," the final movement of Holst's The Planets.
Join the Chorus
Singers of all ages are invited to join the Chorus of the Southern Finger Lakes. For more information, call the OSFL Office at (607) 936-2873 or email Chorus Manager, at [email protected]. Weekly rehearsals are Tuesday evenings, scheduled in preparation for specific concerts. Reserve your spot now to join us for the first concert in collaboration with the Corning Area Community Concert Band on November 5 at 3:00 at the Corning Museum of Glass auditorium. To learn more about upcoming concerts and rehearsal schedules, follow us on Facebook or sign up for the OSFL e-newsletter. Chorus Concerts with the Orchestra for 23-24 December 9, 2023 Beethoven's "Hallelujah Chorus" from Christ on the Mount of Olives Mozart's Laudate Dominum Handel's Coronation Anthem - Zadok the Priest and holiday favorites for the "Holiday Traditions Together" concert. May 11, 2024 Gershwin's Porgy & Bess - A Concert of Songs Other Chorus Concerts Vocal Colors May 18, 2024 at 3 PM at North Presbyterian Church in Elmira, NY The full chorus, small ensemble "Noteworthy," and soloists performed in concert with piano and trumpet. Everyone enjoyed a variety of styles and colors including Mozart's mass Missa brevis, show tunes, art songs, vocal jazz, and more. It was an entertaining and colorful concert! Sponsored in part by Dryden Mutual Insurance Co. On November 5, 2023 at 3 PM at the Corning Museum of Glass, the Chorus collaborated with the Corning Area Community Concert Band for the Fall Scholarship Concert. |
Photo credit Brenda Kittleson
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