Rockingham Choral Society to Hold Open Rehearsals for “A Rose in Winter” in September: New and returning choral singers are invited to participate in first sessions

EXETER, NH: The Rockingham Choral Society is beginning rehearsals for its winter concert “A Rose in Winter” and is looking for new and returning members. The first two rehearsals, on Tuesday, September 3 and September 10 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., will be open to any person who is considering joining to attend and try it out. Rehearsals are held at Exeter High School.

Those who would like to try it out are encouraged to visit the website below and pre-register so the group can prepare a music package in advance.

“The Rockingham Choral Society has a long tradition of welcoming a diverse membership from the Seacoast community,” said Kristofer Johnson, Artistic Director. “Our fall open rehearsals are an easy way for choral singers with new or renewed interest in joining a group to try it out and decide if this group is right for them.”

Since 1957, the Rockingham Choral Society has expanded and enhanced cultural experiences by performing choral masterpieces and adhering to the highest musical standards. The Choral Society is comprised of over 95 members and presents two concerts annually to the audiences in the New Hampshire Seacoast region.

The group is open to singers age 16 and older. There is a brief placement audition for new members and dues are waived for high school and college students. Auditions do not require any advance preparation. Soloists are always chosen from the membership. 

There will be two winter performances on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8 featuring works by Gwyneth Walker, Michael John Trotta, Dale Trumbore, Susan LaBarr, Randal Stroope, Elizabeth Poston, Craig Hella Johnson, Ola Gjielo, and more.

“Secular and sacred, our winter program repertoire celebrates the seeds of flowering and rebirth present in the shortest days of the year. Stories and allegories of roses, blooms, and verdant growth unite our pieces," notes Johnson. “The concert will conclude with traditional carols and holiday works relating to our theme. Accompanied by our exceptional collaborative pianist, Jeannie Goodwin, as well as other obligato instruments, the choir will enjoy a semester of works that evoke joy, hope, and poignancy.”

More information and a pre-registration link for interested singers can be found at www.rockinghamchoral.org or on the group’s Facebook page.

About Rockingham Choral Society

Since 1957, the Rockingham Choral Society has expanded and enhanced cultural experiences by performing choral masterpieces and adhering to the highest musical standards. With a growing membership of 95 singers, the Choral Society has been accompanied by a number of distinguished local musicians throughout their history. The group performs two annual concerts for audiences in the New Hampshire Seacoast region and is under the direction of Kristofer T. Johnson, only the 4th Artistic Director in over 60 years.

For more information, please visit www.rockinghamchoral.org.