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.
2025 Spring Concert
This spring we will be performing four exquisite works spanning the Baroque and Classical periods — Haydn’s “Little Organ Mass,” Mozart’s Misericordias Domini, and two works by Vivaldi: his Magnificat and the cantata “Cessate, omai cessate.”
Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) composed his Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo in B-flat major, affectionately known as the “Little Organ Mass,” around 1775 for the Order of the Brothers of Mercy. Despite its brevity, this mass displays Haydn’s masterful ability to convey profound spiritual depth within a concise framework. The mass gets its nickname from the prominent organ solo in the Benedictus movement, which features a sublime soprano solo that showcases Haydn’s gift for melodic beauty and elegant simplicity.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) wrote his Misericordias Domini in D minor when he was just 19 years old. This short but powerful offertory setting demonstrates the young composer’s already sophisticated command of counterpoint and choral writing. Based on the text from Psalm 89, “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever,” this work combines the rich polyphonic traditions Mozart studied with his own distinctive classical voice, creating a work of remarkable maturity and emotional depth.
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) is represented by two contrasting works. His Magnificat in G minor (RV 610) stands as one of his most celebrated sacred compositions, setting the canticle of Mary with dramatic contrasts and vivid text painting. Written for the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice, where Vivaldi taught orphaned girls, this work alternates between powerful choral sections and intimate solo moments. By contrast, “Cessate, omai cessate” (RV 684) reveals Vivaldi’s secular brilliance. This dramatic cantata portrays a lover’s lament, moving through recitatives and arias that express profound emotional states—from despair to resignation—highlighting Vivaldi’s operatic sensibilities and emotional range.
Special Thanks To
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!
Contact Us
Connect With Us
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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