The Galveston Art League recently recognized the Galveston College Community Chorale as one of its 2018 honorees at “An Evening of Art and Music,” the league’s fifth annual gala.
“It is well recognized that the GCCC has made significant contributions to the arts in Galveston,” said 2018 Gala Chair Aubrey Garcia in honoring the choristers, who performed for the audience via video.
“I am very proud of both the present and past members of the Galveston College Community Chorale who have given of their time and energy in providing the best in choral music to our community,” said Michael Gilbert, who serves as director of the chorale.
Nationally acclaimed concert organist Ron Wyatt accompanies the group.
“It has been my pleasure to accompany the chorale under the leadership of five different conductors, each with their unique talents,” said Wyatt. “The music during this time has gone all the way from Bach to the Beatles and from Brahms to Broadway. What a dramatic musical experience. Who knows what’s next?”
The Galveston College Community Chorale was established in 1972 by Dr. Larry Patton who directed the chorale for 27 years. The chorale was part of the newly formed music department at Galveston College to allow interested individuals the opportunity to participate in a performing organization.
The first year of the chorale had approximately 40 singers. During the 2017-18 academic year, the chorale averaged 65 singers.
“Our audiences are a representation of the city of Galveston,” said Gilbert. “Many family members and friends of the chorale attend our concerts as well as other choral music lovers from the community and surrounding area.”
The chorale performs all styles of music, both sacred and secular, from the Renaissance period of music, to Handle’s “Messiah,” Schubert’s “Mass in G,” madrigals, operatic choruses, American folk music, spirituals and the music of Broadway.
Music by contemporary composers such as John Rutter, Robert Shaw, Daniel Pinkham, Randall Thompson and Texas resident Dan Forrest have also been performed by the chorale.
The chorale is a non-auditioned organization supported by Galveston College and is part of the Continuing Education department’s curriculum. It is open to all individuals who enjoy singing and performing.
“Our goal is to offer to members of the chorale an educational opportunity to experience quality music and to perform music at the highest level,” Gilbert said.
Now in its 104th year, the Galveston Art League is dedicated to expanding opportunities to foster an understanding and love for art.
Funds raised from events such as the gala are earmarked to enrich the lives of children and adults by providing a gallery for the exhibition of artwork and conducting educational programs that promote art and its appreciation.