A new director will be on the podium when Monadnock Chorus starts its Fall 2021 semester rehearsals, as Colin Mann has been named Guest Artistic Director for the coming fall season.
Mann holds a Master of Music in Conducting from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, and has experience conducting choirs of all sizes and ages. Mann is currently Director of Choirs at the Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, Massachusetts. He also has professional performance experience, as both a soloist and chorister.
“We’re thrilled to introduce Colin to Monadnock Chorus and to our wider community,” said Chorus President Laurie H. Lewis. “Colin’s depth of musical knowledge and his experience coaching and leading vocalists of all ages fits right in with Monadnock Chorus’ mission: to bring quality choral music opportunities to our region for both singers and audiences.”
Mann said that the Chorus’ dedication to building community through excellent choral singing attracted him to the position.
“My combination of experiences as a choral director in a variety of educational, collegiate, and community settings, as well as being a trained vocalist and an active performer of choral music, make me excited to accept this job,” he said. “Choral music elevates community. I’ve seen that come to life in many ways, including with intergenerational singing groups I have founded and nurtured. Monadnock Chorus shares my belief that music unites all people and can be a tool for inclusive change. I’m looking forward to working with this group of dedicated singers.”
The Chorus’ fall semester will begin Sept. 15, with weekly rehearsals at Union Congregational Church, Peterborough. Wednesday evening rehearsals will continue throughout the fall, culminating with concerts on Dec. 11 and 12.
“Colin has proposed a varied repertoire of challenging and engaging pieces,” Lewis said. “We’re excited to get to work on new music in September.”
Mann will take over leadership of the group following the resignation of longtime Artistic Director Dr. Matthew Leese. As Keene High School’s new Choral Director and music teacher, Leese made the difficult decision to cut back on his additional music leadership positions.
“My six and a half seasons as Artistic Director of Monadnock Chorus have been a journey of musical discovery, growth, risk-taking and friendship that I will never forget,” Leese said. “I look forward to hearing more excellent choral music from Monadnock Chorus under Colin’s baton.”
Dr. Leese will conduct his final concert with the Chorus on Wednesday, Aug. 18 when Monadnock Chorus presents Dan Forrest’s “Requiem for the Living” in an outdoor concert at Aldworth Manor in Harrisville. There are still a few free “listening tickets” available for this event – picnic-style seating on the lower lawn of Aldworth Manor. More details and ticket reservations can be found at monadnock-chorus.org. (All attendees must reserve tickets in advance.)
Monadnock Chorus is open to singers of all levels and all ages. No audition is required and all are welcome. For additional information on how to sing this fall, visit the Chorus’ website.