Arkansas
Choral Society

The Arkansas Choral Society is Central Arkansas’s oldest continually operating musical organization. From our most notable performances of Handel’s Messiah in whole or in part every year since 1930 to our new pieces such as the Celebration of Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250 Birthday.

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2024 Spring Concert

This spring we will be working on four sacred pieces — a missa brevis by Schubert and three short works by Mozart.

Franz Schubert (1797 – 1828) composed his second full mass in about one week in early March 1815. He was 18 years old at the time. Less than 25 minutes long, the mass is scored simply – strings, SATB choir, soprano, tenor, and bass soloists. First performed shortly after its composition, the work was not printed until 1845, almost two decades after Schubert died. Until this first printing, the work was relatively unknown; however, since that time it quickly became one of his most-performed and best-loved shorter mass settings. Featuring beautiful melodies and lush harmonies, the work is devotional and contemplative in style, with only a few dramatic passages. In the final section of the mass (Agnus Dei) Schubert employs a harmonic language more Romantic than Classical to create a movement that poignantly expresses the text: “Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace.” This plea for peace carries additional weight in today’s world.

The three shorter sacred works are Tantum Ergo, Laudate Dominum, and Inter Natos Mulierum composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1755-1791). While all three works demonstrate Mozart’s genius for melodic writing, the Laudate Dominum features one of the most beautiful melodies Mozart ever wrote.

 

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About Us

The Arkansas Choral Society is Central Arkansas’s oldest continually operating musical organization.Best known for performing Handel’s Messiah in whole or in part every year since 1930, the Society’s repertoire includes both classical and contemporary works. Historically the group has traveled Arkansas performing concerts and has also performed at special events such as the Arkansas Sesquicentennial Celebration in 1986. The Arkansas Choral Society partners with high school and college choirs throughout Arkansas for its performances, and offers scholarships for college students.

Dr. Kent Skinner recently retired from being the Director of Choral Activities for the University of Arkansas at Monticello. In this capacity, he led the choral program and served as both stage and music director for the university’s opera and music theatre.

While in Mobile, Dr. Skinner also served as Chorus master for the Mobile Opera Company. He has frequently performed as soloist with the Greeley Philharmonic (Colorado) and upon various stages in Alabama, Colorado, Tennessee, and Texas. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Skinner conducts the Arkansas Choral Society. Dr. Skinner holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Music degrees from the University of Northern Colorado, as well as Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Texas at Austin.

Join the Choir

If you’re interested in joining the Arkansas Choral Society, we encourage you to connect with us a apply@lovetosing.org. Rehearsals are held every Monday throughout the fall and spring seasons leading up to the concert dates. There are no auditions. Dues are $25 for a season or $50 for the entire year, and choral members must purchase their own music. We look forward to answering any questions you may have!

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Have some questions? Please feel free to reach out to us at anytime! We are available by email at hello@lovetosing.org or fill out the contact form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Also, make sure to follow us on social media to get the latest updates about the Arkansas Choral Society.

Board Members: Ashley McInturff, Gay Atkinson, Rick Couch, Eric Harrison, Carol Heavin, Nancy Phillips, Calli Turner, Barbara Cantley, Jeanette Emery, Lumas Kendrick, Sr., and  Sharl Hill

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