A swell of voices from across Wake County will fill the night air on March 11, 2006. The N.C. Master Chorale will join singers from school and community choirs to present a free community concert at 7:30 p.m. at Knightdale High School auditorium.
The concert is the culminating event of the GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) East Wake Residency, presented since 1988 by the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County (United Arts). Dr. Alfred E. Sturgis, Music Director of the N.C. Master Chorale, will work on site with the school and community choir groups prior to the combined rehearsal on March 4.
The GSK East Wake Residency was created to bring quality, culturally diverse arts and educational opportunities to all the people of eastern Wake County. The project is funded in part by the interest from an endowment established by GSK and administered by United Arts.
The 2006 East Wake Residency features Dr. Alfred E. Sturgis, Music Director of the North Carolina Master Chorale and members of The Chamber Choir of the N.C. Master Chorale. Many are professional singers, conductors and music educators selected by audition from across Wake County and neighboring counties. The Chamber Choir performs works ranging in style from the Renaissance to contemporary, both accompanied and a cappella. The Chamber Choir was formed in 1966.
"Support of the arts is critical to the well being of Wake County's citizens--the arts enhance our quality of life, our children's educational experience and our overall business climate. We salute these individuals for their outstanding contributions toward building a strong and vibrant arts community," concluded Jordan.
Founded in 1942 as the Raleigh Oratorio Society, the North Carolina Master Chorale organization has been bringing the masterpieces of choral music to Raleigh-area audiences for more than 60 years, with the 170-voice volunteer Chorale and 22-voice Chamber Choir.