Bel Canto Chorale

Bel Canto Chorale

of Wantagh, New York

      The Bel Canto Chorale of Wantagh, New York, was founded 39 years ago by Kirk M. Dunklee, who retired several years ago. Greg Mercer is making his debut  as music director at this concert.

      The purpose of the organization is to perform a variety of choral literature specifically major works.The singers in the chorale come from all parts of Long Island and include adults of all ages and backgrounds. The main criteria for members is a sincere love for music and singing.

      Many of the major works performed have been accompanied by chamber orchestra and brass ensemble.  They have included the following: Carmina Burana (Orff), Lord Nelson Mass (Haydn), Elijah (Mendelssohn), King David (Honegger), Messiah (Handel), To St. Cecilia (Dello-Joio), Requiem (Mozart), Song of Democracy, (Hanson), Requiem (Brahms), Gloria (Rutter), Missa Brevis (Kodaly), Dona Nobis Pacem (R.Vaughan Williams),  Nänie        (Johannes Brahms), Rejoice in the Lamb (Benjamin Britten), Symphony of Psalms (Stravinsky) and others. The Chorale sang Carmina Burana (Orff) in joint concert with the Mid Hudson Camerata Chorale at Freeport High School and gave a second performance in Poughkeepsie. Several years ago the Chorale was joined by the Northport Chorale, St. Peter’s-by-the-Sea Children’s Choir, and the West Islip Symphony Orchestra for a series of three performances of Carmina Burana. The Chorale has performed Dona Nobis Pacem at Carnegie Hall. We performed A Salute to Mozart - the Requiem and Coronation Mass with the Northport Chorale and the West Islip Symphony Orchestra.

            The Chorale has performed at the New York State School Music Association’s Conference and at Carnegie Hall and has made performing tours to England and Austria. Our Spring Concert will be performed on  Saturday, May 10, 2008. For information about the Chorale or its performances, call 516-459-9402 or E-mail BelCantoChorale@aol.com.