John Finney:
Conductor
Auditions | Chorale History | Concert Archives
Accompanist and
Associate Conductor
72nd Season Programs
Fall Concert
Sunday, November 23, 2008
4:00 p.m., Performing Arts Center,
St. Mark's School, 25 Marlborough Road, Southborough
Under the direction of John Finney, the chorale will present songs for chorus and piano by two well-known American composers, one from the East Coast and one from the West Coast. New England's Randall Thompson will represent the East Coast through his song-cycle "Frostiana", which is set to the poetry of Robert Frost. Los Angeles composer Morten Lauridsen will represent the West Coast with "Mid-Winter Songs" as well as the lovely "Dirait-on" from his cycle "Les Chansons des Roses". The Heritage Chorale's own Darryl Hollister will provide the piano accompaniments to these sumptuous choral songs.
POPS 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
4:00 p.m., Nevins Hall, Memorial Building
150 Concord Street (Rte. 126), Framingham
Enjoy a "Rhythm" and "Dance" theme with songs that include "The Rhythm of Life" and "I Got Rhythm" and dance music from the Tango to the Hora, from Bolero to Square dances.
Spring Concert
Saturday, May 9, 2009
7:30 p.m., Performing Arts Center,
St. Mark's School,
25 Marlborough Road, Southborough
Celebrate with the Chorale and a full chamber orchestra the anniversaries of numerous world famous composers, including Purcell, Handel and Haydn. The concert will feature festive works by Purcell, one of the splendid "Coronation Anthems" by Handel and the stirring "Lord Nelson Mass" by Haydn.
Click here for audition dates or call the Info-Line at 508-270-3999 to speak with a Heritage Chorale member.
| Mission Statement: The Heritage Chorale is a nonprofit organization of accomplished singers dedicated to performing high quality choral music. We are committed to standards of excellence in our rehearsals and performances, and seek to inspire in ourselves and our Metrowest audience a greater love of music and community. |
Now celebrating its 70th season, the Heritage Chorale is an ensemble of more than 80 singers from throughout the Metrowest area conducted by renowned Boston-area music director John Finney. The Chorale's varied musical activities in the Framingham area annually include three major concerts—two classical and one Pops program. Programming is supported by ticket sales, Friends and Supporters Campaign, Craft Fair, grants and member dues. Rehearsals are held every Tuesday evening, September to June at Scott Hall, First Parish Church of Framingham.
For tickets or other information, please contact the Info-Line at 508-270-3999, or write Heritage Chorale, P.O. Box 1335, Framingham, MA 01701-1335.
The
Heritage Chorale is a member of the Greater
Boston Choral Consortium.
Programs are funded in part by the Massachusetts
Cultural Council 
.
The Heritage Chorale was founded in the fall of 1937 by a small group of Framingham residents who often gathered informally to sing madrigals and spirituals. Known then as the Community Choral Society, the ensemble gave its first concert of short works in December 1937 on a budget of $62! Obviously much has changed in the intervening years—recent audiences have seen sold out performances of Israel in Egypt with full orchestra and professional soloists and Carmina Burana with an enthusiastic chorus of 95 singers!
The chorale's history is marked by outstanding directors including the founder Dr. Edward Gilday, Allen Lannom, John Oliver, Robert Gronquist, Christopher Carlson, and Philip Moss. Much of the Heritage Chorale's recent success can be attributed to the visionary leadership and high expectations set by Conductor John Finney. He has led the chorale since 1987 in performing a repertoire that has included such major works as A German Requiem by Brahms, St. John Passion by Bach, the complete Messiah by Handel, Mendelssohn's Elijah and Verdi's Requiem. The chorale frequently participates in local events and has also performed in the past with the Boston Symphony, Boston Pops, Boston Ballet, the Civic Symphony Orchestra of Boston and the Concord Orchestra.
Auditions are by appointment following attendance at semi-annual open rehearsals. The next open rehearsal will be on Tuesday, February 10, at 7:45 PM. Those who audition should be prepared to sight-read and sing music rehearsed during the open rehearsals. Prepared pieces can also be performed, but are not required.
Rehearsals are held in Scott Hall of the First Parish Church of Framingham at 24 Vernon Street, just off Route 9 and Edgell Road at the end of the green in Framingham Centre.
For further information, please call the Heritage Chorale Info-Line at 508-270-3999 and leave a message for the Membership Chairperson, or write to: Membership Chairperson, Heritage Chorale, PO Box 1335, Framingham, MA 01701.