Choral society spring concerts May 3 and 4: From Regal to Rustic
When the Southern Delaware Choral Society presents its spring concerts, there will literally be dancing in the aisles.
The concert, From Regal To Rustic, will feature music from Central and Eastern Europe. In order to provide the audience with an experience that brings the music to life, SDCS conductor Ann Freeman contacted Michele Xiques, director of First State Dance Academy.
Participation in the concert presented both a challenge and an opportunity. “The students at FSDA really enjoy doing community outreach events and wanted to perform with the chorus,” said Xiques. She also knew this weekend was already going to be busy, as several of her students were planning to audition for the Diane Drulis Scholarship.
She was familiar with the seating at Epworth United Methodist Church on Holland Glade Road in Rehoboth Beach and recognized it would be a great opportunity, not only for her more seasoned dancers but also for her up-and-coming stars. Because she knew her students would want to collaborate, Michelle volunteered to work with them to provide a ballet dance as the chorus performs "The Polovetsian Dances."
In addition to the dancers, the audience will also be treated to an overhead presentation designed to enhance the concert-going experience by providing translations and art to accompany the music. SDCS webmaster Peter Schultz has been busy creating the visual accompaniment.
“This concert will be both a treat for the ears and eyes,” says Gail Launay, SDCS executive director “I know our audiences will enjoy all of the hard work that went into creating this dynamic performance.”
Piano accompaniment will be provided by Paul Fleckenstein, organist and director of music at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Wilmington. Audiences will be familiar with the chorus’ longtime favorite accompanist, most recently heard when they performed Opera’s Greatest Hits last spring. Joining Fleckenstein will be Dagsboro resident Ken Schleifer on percussion. Local residents know Schleifer as both elementary band director for the Cape Henlopen School District and part of the group, Oh Boy! A Tribute to Buddy Holly.
From Regal to Rustic performances will be held at 7 p.m., Saturday, May 3, and at 4 p.m., Sunday, May 4, at Epworth United Methodist Church on Holland Glade Road in Rehoboth Beach.
Tickets for both performances are available by calling 302-396-7617 and at southerndelawarechoralsociety.org, and Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach and Puzzles in Lewes.
Tickets will be available at the door on the date of the concert. Cost for a ticket is $20 for adults and $8 for students with valid ID.
