‘It’s a Grand Night for Singing’: Just ask this local choir

WOLFEBORO — Clearlakes Chorale is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a spring show titled “It’s a Grand Night for Singing” on Saturday, May 4, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 5, at 2 p.m. The show includes a mixture of moving classical pieces, show tunes and classics from the American folk songbook.

Clearlakes Chorale has a dual vision: to provide opportunities for choral singing in the Lakes Region by accepting singers of varying ability in a welcoming, no-audition-required ensemble, and to create memorable musical experiences for its Lakes Region community. About 50 people from Winnipesaukee towns gather every Thursday to rehearse and share a love of choral music. The May shows are a culmination of months of practice, shared passion and friendship.

“I love the challenge of learning new music and the camaraderie of singing with a group. I don't read music so I learn by ear, and singing with others allows me to enjoy making beautiful music. With a crazy, busy work and family life, this is something that I do just for me,” said soprano Candy Sharp.

Newcomer Carrie Kinzlmaier said, “It’s more fun to sing with people than to sing alone. And my singing has improved a lot because I really have to focus on timing and tone.”

Members of the chorale revealed their favorites among the 19 pieces the group is performing at the spring show.

“My favorite piece this season is a toss-up between Shenandoah and Deep River,” Sharp said.

Aaron Copeland’s sprightly Ching-a-Ring Chaw is a dash of a tune that new choir member Suzanne Morrissey and longtime member Carole Bense both tap as their favorite. Others cite Cum Sancto Spiritu, arranged by the group’s director Andy Campbell, as the emotional center of the show, as well as the powerful Il Trovatore chorus by Verdi. Audience members will also hear selections from Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, and Faure alongside Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and Rodgers and Hammerstein.

Bense joined the chorale in its second year and sang for 20 years.

“Then I left it for maybe 15 years and came back last year to sing again,” she said, adding that though she has long been a soprano, she became an alto this season to boost the number of singers in that section. “I just love singing and am enjoying learning the alto parts — alto is much harder, but I am working on it. I hope the audience will be moved by the music and will feel it was worthwhile to come to our concert. Maybe they will smile some too.”

Tickets for the May 4 and 5 performances of “It’s a Grand Night for Singing” are available at clearlakeschorale.org, Black’s Paper Store and Gift Shop and Bricks at the Lake in Wolfeboro. Tickets will be available at the door as well. Both performances will take place at the First Congregational Church at 115 S. Main St. in Wolfeboro.