Laredo Philharmonic Chorale seeking new members

 

By Paul de la Peña-Franceschi

 

The Laredo Philharmonic Chorale (LPC) begins its 2004-2005 season and is actively seeking new voices to join the chorale. The LPC has served the Laredo community for over 20 years and has now taken their show on the road, performing in Monterrey , Mexico .

This summer the Chorale was asked by Maestro Felix Carrasco of the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey (UNAL) to assist the university for the second year with chorale voices for their summer season. PLC members were also featured this year as the only choir from the United States backing up the UNAL Symphony Orchestra performing Boris Gudonov's Russian dance among other classic works. The concert went off without a hitch, and the LPC was invited back again for the fall season. Negotiations are still pending for trips this fall.

Last year the LPC had the honor of participating at the world famous Carnegie Hall in New York City under the direction of the famous Maestro John Rutter. While at Carnegie Hall the LPC joined with other choirs from around the country to sing the famous Mozart “Requiem.” This marks the second time that the LPC had the opportunity to perform at Carnegie, and it will certainly not be the last.

The LPC is a non-profit organization of professional and amateur singers who seek to continue the art of live vocal performances in the Laredo community. The Chorale has included members from Nuevo Laredo and surrounding cities and educates singers of all ages in the joys of vocal performance. Members learn about techniques such as vocal exercises, concert preparation, concert etiquette, and a wide variety of vocal music.

The LPC encourages anyone who enjoys singing to become a member this season. Annual membership dues are $25 for adults and $10 for students. The fees assist with the acquisition of music and the Chorale's scholarship fund. The LPC has given over $10,000 in scholarships to high school seniors since it began.

The LPC meets each Thursday beginning in September at Christ Church behind Lamar Middle School at 7 p.m. For more information contact Gloria Flores at 722-3269 or Rosario García at 722-5753.