Montgomery County Choral Society set to open 45th season

CONROE, Texas – Under the baton of Ann Lee, the Montgomery County Choral Society kicks off its 2016-2017 season celebrating 45 years of bringing some of the world’s greatest music to the Conroe area. A mix of familiar and newer works has become a hallmark of Choral Society concerts, and this celebratory season will not disappoint.

The season opens on Tuesday, Sept. 27, with the return of the ever-popular, annual Dinner/Showtime. A Disney Spectacular, Part 2 headlines the festive evening.

"We're pulling out all the stops in this very special family/child-friendly evening," said Lee, the Choral Society's artistic director.

Darrel’s Catering will serve up the local fare of barbecue and smoked turkey, in addition to a children’s menu.

Pianist Joseph M. Martin returns to headline the concert. His wife, Sue, a talented singer in her own right, is set to join him onstage. Both performers bring the “Disney” experience to the stage having performed at Disneyland and Disney World early in their musical careers. The choir will offer all musical and movie music produced by Disney from Beauty and the Beast to The Lion King. An audience singalong and surprises for the children are planned.

The Montgomery County Choral Society celebrates Christmas on Friday, Dec. 9. As has become customary in recent years, the educational outreach of the Choral Society will feature school choirs from the area. Brass, harp, percussion and organ will accompany the choirs as they present works separately as well as together.

The centerpiece of the concert will feature the Trinity Te Deum by Erik Esenvalds. This spectacular work is accompanied by brass, harp, percussion and organ. Familiar and favorite carols of the season complete the concert.

A Celtic Celebration is set for Friday, March 31, as the Choral Society features Letters from Ireland, complete with narrators, dancers and all things Irish. Can another singalong be far behind?

All concerts are held at First United Methodist Church, 4308 W. Davis St., Conroe, Texas 77301.

This season is supported by funds from the City of Conroe Council on Arts and Culture and ExxonMobil.

Ticket/performance information:

A Disney Spectacular, Part 2

Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016

Dinner 5:30 p.m.; Concert 7:00 p.m.

First United Methodist Church - Conroe

Individual tickets for the concert and dinner are adults $25, students (13-18) $20, children (2-12) $15 and children 2 and under can attend for free. Call the church office, 936-756-3395, for dinner reservations.

Concert-only tickets are adults $15, students $10, and children $5.

A Christmas Celebration

Friday, Dec. 9, 2016

7:30 p.m.

First United Methodist Church - Conroe

Individual concert tickets are adults $15, seniors $12, students $5, and free for children 5 and under.

A Celtic Celebration

Friday, March 31, 2017

7:30 p.m.

First United Methodist Church - Conroe

Individual concert tickets are adults $15, seniors $12, students $5, and free for children 5 and under.

Individual Tickets to all concerts are available at the door, from any Montgomery County Choral Society member, or at the church office, 936-756-3395.

Season tickets go on sale in mid-August. More information is available at mcchoral.org.

Rehearsal Information

Rehearsals have already begun, but it's not too late for interested singers to get in on the action. Upcoming auditions are: Aug. 22 for A Disney Spectacular; Oct. 3 for A Christmas concert; and Jan. 9 for A Celtic Celebration. Rehearsals are 7 p.m. in the choir room at Conroe’s First United Methodist Church, located at 4308 W. Davis. All interested singers are invited to arrive at rehearsals early for informal auditions.

Come experience the celebratory excitement! As Ella Fitzgerald said, “The only thing better than singing is more singing.”

Sponsorships

Sponsorships are still available for the 2016-2017 season. For information, contact Ann Lee at 936-756-3395.

About the Montgomery County Choral Society

The Montgomery County Choral Society is a nonprofit organization formed in 1972 to bring great choral music of the world to Montgomery County and Montgomery County to great choral music. Membership averages around 70 singers including young adults to retired persons, encompassing varied professions, and blending many levels of musical training and experience. The organization is a member of the Greater Conroe Arts Alliance.