New Jersey Choral Society presents “Mass”

RIDGEWOOD, N.J. - May 16, 2013 - PRLog -- Bergen & Essex County - The New Jersey Choral Society concludes its 2012-13 season with “Mass,” a program of reflective and inspirational music on Friday, May 31 at 8:00 pm at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 30 North Fullerton Ave., Montclair. A second performance will be held on Saturday, June 1 at 8:00 pm at West Side Presbyterian Church, 6 South Monroe St., Ridgewood.

The stirring and uplifting program, under the direction of conductor Eric Dale Knapp, features John Rutter’s “Mass of the Children,” a non-liturgical Missa brevis with traditional Latin Mass text interwoven with several English poems. Maurice Duruflé’s Gregorian chant hymn “Ubi Caritas,” “Antiphon” from “Five Mystical Songs” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, and the haunting “Gabriel’s Oboe” from the film “The Mission” will also be featured. Guest soloists include Megan Knapp (soprano) and Keith Harris (baritone) and a special appearance by the Junior Youth Choir from the North Jersey Home School Association. Linda Sweetman-Waters will accompany the chorus on the organ.

The New Jersey Choral Society is one of the state’s most prestigious choral groups. Well-known for presenting outstanding and unique programs, NJCS performs three major programs annually in Bergen and Essex Counties, and has performed in Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, China, Australia and England.

Come one hour prior to concert time for The Inside Line, a complimentary lecture that provides an insightful and intimate discussion of the music for all ticket holders.

Tickets are $25.00 for general admission, $22.00 for students, seniors, and patrons with disabilities and $12 for children 12 and under (add $5.00 at the door). Group discounts are also available. For reservations or more information, visit http://www.njcs.org or call the New Jersey Choral Society at (201) 379-7719.

In support of the Center for Food Action, the New Jersey Choral Society will be collecting nonperishable food items at these concerts. The Church of the Immaculate Conception and West Side Presbyterian Church are wheelchair accessible. Funding has been made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.