O.C. Classic Choral Society performs Bach, Rutter versions of ‘Magnificats'

Blooming Grove - The first of two performances of “Magnificats” by the Orange County Classic Choral Society takes place Sunday, Dec. 11, at 4 p.m. in the United Church of Christ, Route 94 and Old Dominion Road in Blooming Grove. An encore performance will be presented on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. in the First Presbyterian Church, 33 Park Place, Goshen. No tickets are necessary and all performances are free of charge. A free will offering will be collected. The text of the “Magnificat,” which are the words spoken by Mary when she is told that she will be the mother of Christ, have inspired composers because of their mix of humility and grandeur. The Choral Society will be performing one version by J.S. Bach and a second, more contemporary one by John Rutter. The 60 singers presenting this program represent 22 different communities. The artistic director is Janiece Kohler, who is also the minister of music at the First Presbyterian Church in Washingtonville and organist at the Blooming Grove United Church of Christ. Featured in this concert are Jody Weatherstone, Soprano; Roberta Brown, Soprano; Kristine MacMilljn, Mezzo-soprano; Rudolf Kellmann, Tenor; and Robert Pollsen, Bass. Local members of Classic Choral Society include: Carol Kellmann, Rudolf Kellmann, Anne Gayler, Maureen Kalmbach, Jennie E. Maney, Ruth Ann Robinson, Arline Rodstrom, Barbara Speechley, Dana Goodwin and Robert B. Pollsen. For further information, call 928-6462 or 783-6030, e-mail classicchoral@frontiernet.net or visit the Web site at www.classicchoralsociety.org.