Chorale prepares for Beethoven's Ninth

The Laredo Philharmonic Chorale (LPC) is beginning preparations for its highly involved 2005-06 season.

Plans call for joining Texas A&M International University 's Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) in its production of Beethoven's Ninth , in the LPO's opening concert in October.

This concert will combine the strengths of at least three full choirs along with a complete LPO orchestra under the able leadership of Maestro Brendan Townsend.

All local choirs are invited to participate in this October production, according to Gloria Flores, LPC president.

“Joining forces with us hopefully will be the more experienced voices from Laredo Community College and TAMIU. Other out of town school choirs have also been approached,” said Flores . “This will be the first time that an undertaking of this magnitude has been attempted. Many music aficionados from Laredo and our environs have told us they are really looking forward to this production.”

“Our chorale takes its assignments very seriously, and once again we go out to the Laredo public to invite interested parties to join us,” she added. “ If you do not know about us, the LPC, is a voluntary community-member choir that comes together every year at this time under the direction of Dr. Joseph Crabtree to work on at least three major productions throughout the year. Members consist of singers from all walks of life and include local students from our colleges and high schools.”

The annual registration and first practice of the year will take place Thursday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be at the First Christian Church at 2403 Guerrero St. , near Lamar Middle School .

“Our meetings are always on Thursdays at 7 p.m. Join us. If anyone would like to contact us beforehand, they can call me at 722-3269 (evenings) or Rosario Garcia at 740-5669. We would love to give you any additional information you might need,” Flores said.