To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the death of great Austrian composer Joseph Haydn (1732-1809), The Choral Society of Pensacola will be presenting his great oratorio The Seasons. This magnificent work is divided into four parts, corresponding to Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. In addition to our chorus and full orchestra, this concert will feature three guest soloists representing country folks: Simon (Mark Walters, bass), Lucas (Leo Day, tenor), and Hanne (Carla Connors, soprano). I am sure that it will be a very joyful evening of beautiful music and great singing.

In December, The Choral Society singers present our annual Messiah concert in conjunction with The UWF Singers and the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Peter Rubardt. Let the singing voice bring the holiday spirit to you and your family!

In March of 2010, we will be singing French composer Maurice Duruflé’s (1902-1986) Requiem and Giacomo Puccini’s (1858-1924) sacred work Messa di Gloria at the beautiful St. Paul Catholic Church. Gerald Stroup (tenor) and Kenneth Weber (baritone) will be our featured soloists.

Our season finale will be a joint concert featuring the choral groups from PJC and, I will keep it as secret, other groups. You will hear many varying styles of music in this concert.

I always feel excited when I write down the concert program for the upcoming season because every Choral Society season is like a new adventure and it always brings new musical spirit to my chorus singers and me, and eventually to you, my dear friends, to enjoy. It is my great honor and pleasure to serve this great community, and I cannot thank you enough for your generous support for all these years! We will continue to work hard to present the highest quality concert as a big “THANKS” to you!

Sincerely Yours,

Xiaolun Chen