Summer Festival Chorus presents 10th annual concert at Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts | Press Releases

The popular Summer Festival Chorus of Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, under the direction of Carole Ann Maxwell, will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 9, with a concert of favorites and the premiere of a new composition by jazz pianist/composer Joe Utterback, Ph.D. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m.

This year's program features Dr. Utterback's "The Music Makers," which was commissioned especially for the event, accompanied by brass and percussion ensemble. In addition, the eclectic performance will include Schutz's "Psalm 100," a jazz arrangement of Gershwin's "Summertime," portions of Schubert's "Magnificat," the spiritual "Ain-a That Good News" and choral favorite "Danny Boy." An accompanying slide show will offer photos of past concerts culled by the 10th anniversary committee.

Auditions were held in June for the talented chorus, which often plays to standing-room-only audiences. About 100 members, some of whom have been singing with the chorus all 10 years, have been rehearsing twice a week for the last two months.

The Summer Festival Chorus is popular with local singers because it offers a rare summer singing opportunity, as many other choruses and church choirs take a summer break. Past choristers have traveled from as far away as Southbury, Conn., and Brewster, N.Y., to participate in the Quick Center program.

"It's the high point of the summer for many people," said Don Walters, a charter member of the chorus.

This year marks the formation of the Friends of the Summer Festival Chorus. It is hoped that the Friends' fundraising efforts will enable the chorus to enhance its concerts by including professional instrumentalists. In this, the first year, the Friends will be invited to a champagne reception prior to the performance.

"We are very delighted how the chorus program has grown in popularity," said Deborah Sommers, the Quick Center's director of programming. "Besides presenting its regular professional season, the Quick Center has many programs for adults and young people in the community because that partnership is important to us."

Tickets are $12, $10 for senior citizens and children. For tickets, call the Quick Center box office at 203-254-4010 or toll free at 1-877-ARTS-396. For more information, visit the website, www.quickcenter.com.