A Message from Maestro Vick
“Choral music is not one of life’s frills. It’ s something that goes to the very heart of our humanity, our sense of community, and our souls. ” – John Rutter
When I arrived in Greenville in the fall of 1970 to join the music faculty at Furman University, I sang for several years with the Greenville Civic Chorale under the direction of Milburn Price. I quickly made many friends in the Chorale. I enjoyed both the musical performances and the strong esprit de corps that made our concerts enjoyable, and high-level concert experiences that engendered strong community support. In 1981, when Dr. Price moved away, I was invited to be the conductor of the Chorale. Then, it was an honor and a conducting experience I knew would be an important part of my career.
Now, forty-four years later, I consider my time with the Chorale an even deeper honor, a professional experience few of my colleagues across the country will enjoy in their career, and one of my life’s greatest blessings. These singers have been an important part of my personal and professional life. The sounds I enjoy ‘first hand’ each Monday evening at rehearsal, and the spirit and excellence the Chorale presents at every performance have made my life richer and even more grateful. The Greenville Chorale has shared great concerts of great and meaningful music, as well as evenings of delightful entertainment, with the upstate community for 64 years. The Chorale has enriched the cultural life of our area, and will continue to do so, thanks to the dedication of our talented singers, and thanks to the strong support from our donors and enthusiastic audiences. Thank You!
“Choral music is not one of life’s frills. It’ s something that goes to the very heart of our humanity, our sense of community, and our souls. ” – John Rutter
When I arrived in Greenville in the fall of 1970 to join the music faculty at Furman University, I sang for several years with the Greenville Civic Chorale under the direction of Milburn Price. I quickly made many friends in the Chorale. I enjoyed both the musical performances and the strong esprit de corps that made our concerts enjoyable, and high-level concert experiences that engendered strong community support. In 1981, when Dr. Price moved away, I was invited to be the conductor of the Chorale. Then, it was an honor and a conducting experience I knew would be an important part of my career.
Now, forty-four years later, I consider my time with the Chorale an even deeper honor, a professional experience few of my colleagues across the country will enjoy in their career, and one of my life’s greatest blessings. These singers have been an important part of my personal and professional life. The sounds I enjoy ‘first hand’ each Monday evening at rehearsal, and the spirit and excellence the Chorale presents at every performance have made my life richer and even more grateful. The Greenville Chorale has shared great concerts of great and meaningful music, as well as evenings of delightful entertainment, with the upstate community for 64 years. The Chorale has enriched the cultural life of our area, and will continue to do so, thanks to the dedication of our talented singers, and thanks to the strong support from our donors and enthusiastic audiences. Thank You!
Our 2024-25 Season features something never performed by the Chorale: the Ralph Vaughan Williams oratorio, HODIE; another thrilling and beautiful presentation of Handel’s MESSIAH, a work that will never get old; the masterful sounds and performance excellence of the Herring Chamber Ensemble; and a closing concert showcasing music from the Chorale’s wide- ranging repertoire. You will not want to miss any of these memorable concerts!
A choral conductor’s “right hand” is an excellent keyboard artist. The Chorale has been fortunate to have several great musicians leading us forward through the years: David Gibson, Michael Rice, Betty Bennett, and for sixteen years, Nancy Smith. I cannot, WE CANNOT, thank these artists enough.
A great “accompanist” does far more than just accompany the singers. Nancy has been a true “collaborative pianist:” always prepared, thinking ahead of the conductor in rehearsal, playing with precision and with sensitivity, and doing her best in the learning process to help and encourage the singers. We wish Nancy all the best as she moves into a new phase of her life in retirement. I am very excited about the concert experiences ahead of us.
Cheers,
