Join Us for Three Virtual Open Sings This Fall
Berkshire Choral International and The Washington Chorus are partnering to co-produce a series of three Virtual Open Sings. The series, led by nationally renowned conductors Eugene Rogers, Katherine FitzGibbon, and Rob Istad, will provide an at-home opportunity for all interested singers to engage in their love of choral music. Each Virtual Open Sing experience will include an exclusive advance masterclass with the conductor sharing their insights on the work and rehearsal of portions of the score. During the live Open Sing, each singer will watch and hear the conductor lead a performance while singing their part along at home. Following the Open Sing, there will be a chance to gather on Zoom for a social celebration with the conductor and participating singers from around the world.
Friday, September 4, 2020 at 8pm Eastern with a preceding masterclass on Monday, August 31 at 8pm Eastern
Friday, October 30, 2020 at 8pm Eastern with a preceding masterclass on Monday, October 26 at 8pm Eastern
Friday, December 11, 2020 at 8pm Eastern with a preceding masterclass on Monday, December 7 at 8pm Eastern
The Virtual Open Sings are open to all interested choral singers. Advance registration is required and each event has a participation fee of $15 or the full series of all three is available for $40. Singers can register here.
Proceeds will support the program and are shared equally by the presenting organizations. Singers are expected to provide their own score for the Duruflé and Messiah selections (links to acquire the music if needed will be provided). Music for the Black American composer program will be provided to participants.
Steven Smith, President of Berkshire Choral International said, “At a time when most of us can’t rehearse in person with our local choruses, we wanted to create some special events that can bring singers from everywhere together with great conductors to share our love of choral music.” The Washington Chorus’s Executive Director Stephen Marc Beaudoin added, “it is a special honor and joy to collaborate with our friends at Berkshire Choral International – a national leader in expanding the unique joy and power of singing together – and we look forward to welcoming singers to these terrific and innovative programs. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to work closely with Eugene, Katherine, and Rob!”
Eugene Rogers is Artistic Director of The Washington Chorus; founding director of EXIGENCE; and Director of Choirs and Associate Professor of Conducting at the University of Michigan.
Katherine FitzGibbon is founder and Artistic Director of Resonance Ensemble in Portland, OR; Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Lewis and Clark College; and a guest conductor with Berkshire Choral International.
Robert Istad is Artistic Director of the Pacific Chorale; Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at California State University, Fullerton; and a guest conductor with Berkshire Choral International.
Berkshire Choral International (BCI) creates one-of-a-kind experiences for amateur singers, inspires participation in life-long singing, and builds appreciation for choral music. Over the past 39 years, BCI has enriched the lives of almost 9,000 singers through our week-long choral music programs under the batons of dozens of the world’s great conductors in prestigious venues throughout the U.S. and Europe.
As two time Grammy Award winners, The Washington Chorus (TWC) believes that our world is better when we sing and create together. Under the leadership of newly appointed Artistic Director Dr. Eugene Rogers, TWC celebrates 60 years of creating art and building community through singing together with its 2020-21 season.
