Happy Birthday, Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut | Press Releases

Fairfield University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts plays host to a gala anniversary concert

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (April 20, 2015) – A sampler of works by Felix Mendelssohn and Carl Orff’s majestic “Carmina Burana” will be the highlights when The Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut (MCC) presents its Gala 30th Anniversary Concert at 8 p.m., Saturday, May 2, at Fairfield University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.

Tickets are $35, $30. Tickets are available through the Quick Center Box Office at www.quickcenter.com or by calling (203) 254-4010, or toll-free 1-877-ARTS-396 (1-877-278-7396).

The MCC was founded in 1984 by alumni of the Fairfield University Chamber Singers who wished to continue their musical association with founding Artistic Director and Conductor Carole Ann Maxwell, DSM, Fairfield University’s director of liturgical music, who conducts the Glee Club. Under Maxwell’s leadership, the Choir has performed a wide range of repertoire in New England, New York and many European capitols. The Choir’s renditions of the world’s greatest choral masterpieces have earned it a reputation as one of the leading vocal ensembles in the region.

“Founding The Mendelssohn Choir was one of the most significant blessings in my life,” said Maxwell. “It is a constant source of beauty, challenge and artistic vision, and it affords the singular opportunity of making great music with an extraordinary ensemble of men and women.”

The gala program offers the Choir the perfect opportunity to sing works by its namesake, Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847), a composer of both symphonic and choral works. Mezzo-soprano Melissa Vitrella will be the featured vocalist for this selection of both sacred and secular pieces.

“Carmina Burana” is certainly one of Carl Orff’s most beloved and popular works. Composed 80 years ago, it took its inspiration from two dozen 13th-century poems dealing with Classical and Ecclesial concepts. These songs provide an alternative vision of the Medieval world, giving expression to the cycles of life. “`Carmina Burana’ has been a favorite piece of The Mendelssohn Choir over the past 30 years and programming it would permit us to work with some of the choir's favorite soloists,” Maxwell said.

The masterwork will feature soprano Allison Fay, countertenor Jeffrey Mandelbaum, baritone Edward Pleasant and bass Robert Scrofani. Anthony DeQuattro, Rich Dart, Bruce Demaree and Robert C. Kelly will provide percussion.

Pianists Beth Palmer and Alan Murchie will accompany the Choir.