FARMINGTON – The UMF Choral Program, comprising community members and UMF students, will begin its 2003-04 season in early September. This year the program is offering three choirs: the UMF Community Chorus, a Children’s Chorus that will perform with the Community Chorus, and the UMF Chamber Choir.

The UMF Community Chorus is a 100-voice choir that meets from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Mondays. This fall, the choir will be conducted by Carol Shumway and will be joined by the UMF Orchestra for three joint performances on Dec. 12, 13 and 14.

The program’s major work will be John Rutter’s “Magnificat,” which will also include a chorus of children that will rehearse from 5:30 to 6:25 p.m. on Mondays. In the spring, Dennis Hayes will lead the UMF Community Chorus in a concert version of Leonard Bernstein’s Candide.

To join the Community Chorus, simply come to the first rehearsal at 6 p.m. Sept. 8. There is no audition. The rehearsal will follow at 6:30 p.m.

The UMF Chamber Choir is a 40-voice choir directed by Steven Pane. The Spirit of Fire is the title for this year’s Chamber Choir Connections and Contrasts program. The selections will depict fire in its various symbolic roles, such as inspiration, love, lust and spirit.

Features include Benjamin Britten’s “Hymn to St. Cecilia,” Hildegard’s “O Ignis Spiritus,” Monteverdi’s “Aardo Avvampo,” in addition to works by Rossini and others.

Auditions for the UMF Chamber Choir will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 3, and Wednesday, Sept. 4. Show up on either date at 6:30 p.m. or 8 p.m. No preparation is necessary.

The Children’s Chorus is open, by audition, to grades 4 through 8 only. Auditions will take place Sept. 16 in Nordica Auditorium. Show up at 6 or 7 p.m. No preparation is necessary. The first rehearsal will take place the following Monday, Sept. 22.

All choirs are open to students and community members. Rehearsals and performances are held in Nordica Auditorium at the University of Maine at Farmington. For more information, call 778-7288.

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