Please allow me to welcome you to our 2011-2012 performances on behalf of the Choral Society of Pensacola. We hope you will enjoy the evening as we endeavor to inspire you with wonderful music composed by some of the most ingenious composers of the ages.  

   This year marks our 76th year of presenting music to the general public. We are indeed proud of our accomplishments, which have been under the direction of many great conductors, including our present one, Xiaolun Chen. Our concerts have stirred and entertained audiences from all over Northwest Florida and South Alabama these many years. We bring a variety of music to you, sung professionally, seriously, and with love. We always have room for more voices, and if you are so inclined, give us a call and speak to our conductor (850-484-1810), executive director Andrew Metzger (850-484-1806), or chorus chair Louise Hawley (251-961-2858). They will be happy to answer any questions. We meet weekly on Monday evenings throughout the season and opened our season with a performance of On The Transmigration of Souls with the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra on November 5th. Our season includes the magnificent and widely loved Handel’s Messiah on December 3rd; Beethoven’s Mass in C and Choral Fantasy on March 24th; and Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms followed by Broadway favorites in a May 5th concert that includes the First City Winds and vocal ensembles from Pensacola State College. Mark your calendars and join us for these stirring performances.

   Our annual gala fundraiser, Lyric Libations, will be Friday, February 24th, once again at Dollarhide’s Music Center in downtown Pensacola. This event is loved by all and is so much fun. We are very grateful to Bill Dollarhide for his continuing support of our organization and all the arts in our city. Please come and enjoy an evening of music presentations and share delicious food and beverages provided by several local restaurants. Our silent/live auction event will be Friday, April 20th, at the Gregory Street Assembly Hall. It, too, is a grand occasion and fun for all.

   As president of this year’s board, I want to thank all our board members for their unceasing support of our chorus. Thanks also to retiring board members Robert Baum, Vann Milheim, Carol Richter, and Linda Meyer for their dedication the last three years.

   Last, but certainly not least, let me thank you, our audience, for your continued support. It is because of you that we are able to bring to you the highest quality of vocal performance possible. Whether you are new to our audience or a long-time supporter or patron, welcome! We truly appreciate your interest and we are so  glad you are here!