The Southern Delaware Choral Society (SDCS) extends a warm thank-you to Bethany Blues restaurant in Lewes for hosting a May 4 fundraiser following our Regal to Rustic concerts at Epworth UMC. Bethany Blues donated to SDCS a portion of the proceeds for dinners purchased by SDCS supporters. In addition, the restaurant provided extra space and tables for silent auction items generously donated by many businesses and individuals. A special thank-you goes to all of those donors as well.

The May 3 and 4 Regal to Rustic concerts featured music from central and eastern Europe and Russia. Conductor Ann Freeman coordinated all parts of the program and directed the chorus and the accompanists (Paul Fleckenstein on piano and organ, Rebecca McDaniel on piano, and Ken Schleifer on percussion). Rick Trice provided an informative, and humorous, narration; and a complimentary slide presentation prepared by Peter Schultz created a multi-media effect.

Two dance groups also entertained the audience during the performances. Students from the Diamond Dance Company in Milford, directed by Misty Yencer, gracefully danced to Brahms’s Liebeslieder Waltzes; and Michelle Xiques, director of First State Dance Academy in Milford, choreographed the dances her students performed in Borodin’s Polovetsian Dances.

The combined attendance at both Regal to Rustic performances was several hundred people, and SDCS appreciates their compliments and support. Many SDCS members will be collaborating with Newark Symphony Orchestra, Cecil County Choral Society, Chesapeake Silver Cornet Brass Band, and the Wilmington Handbell Ensemble on Sunday, May 11 at 3 p.m. at the Independence School in Newark. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Phyllis Thomas
past president
Southern Delaware Choral Society