“Masters in this Hall” to be presented by the Depot Lane Singers

The Depot Lane Singers annual Christmas concert will feature classical music as well as a chance for the audience to sing favorite carols.

The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday evening, Dec. 7, in the Schoharie High School gymnasium.

This year, the Singers will perform some of the greatest music ever written for the season.  Included will be music by such well known classical composers as George Frideric Handel, Joseph Haydn, Gian Carlo Menotti, and Anton Bruckner.

The 70-member chorus will be accompanied by pianist Mary Jane Bianchine, and will feature narrator Barbara Haverly. 

Special accompaniment will be provided by a string quartet, featuring violinists Nathan Lawrence and Barbara Brothers, violist Richard Rowley and cellist Michael Gasparovic. 

Several members of The Singers will provide solos within the selections performed.  They include James Bryant, Andrew Haverly, Susan Pendergast, Paul Schultz, and Brian Smith. 

Lighting effects will be provided by Jim Meinsma.

The Depot Lane Singers are currently in their 35th consecutive season of music making, and are comprised of students and adults from all walks of life who enjoy singing together and entertaining area audiences. 

The chorus was founded by Frances B. Tripp, retired music teacher from Schoharie in September 1979.  Mrs. Tripp's vision continues to survive and thrive today under the direction of her former student teacher, Mitch Haverly.  Also a retired music teacher, Haverly was director of music at Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School for 32 years.  He assumed the position of artistic director/conductor of the Depot Lane Singers in the fall of 2005.

The community chorus is sponsored by the Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association and returns a substantial portion of its concert revenue to SCHA for its operating expenses.  

Tickets prices for the concert are $6 for advance sale for adults, $3 for students; they may be purchased from chorus members.  Ticket prices at the door will be $7 for adults.  For further information, contact Mitch Haverly at 872-2682.

Editor’s note: Bob Holt is the president of the Depot Lane singers.

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