RANGELEY – The tradition of great American glee clubs lives on! For nearly 25 years the chorus has been stirring audiences with the best in a wide variety of choral music in collaboration with accomplished instrumentalists and soloists. In addition to its solo concerts, the Boston Saengerfest Men’s Chorus partners with youth ensembles and with massed men’s choruses to produce exciting and unique programs each year.
The Church of the Good Shepherd will be the location of two concerts by the Saengerfest Chorus on Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 24 at 2:30 p.m.
The Boston Saengerfest Men’s Chorus is a multigenerational ensemble of approximately 65 men from throughout Greater Boston. The group enjoys the camaraderie of singing at weekly rehearsals and performing in four or five concerts each year — locally and occasionally abroad. Under the direction of Tom Berryman, the non-profit ensemble often collaborates with a variety of accomplished instrumentalists and soloists in repertoire ranging from glee club favorites to original arrangements of contemporary choral works.
BSMC’s new Music Director Tom Berryman is an accomplished and seasoned choral director and organist who was just a boy when music began to seep into his bones. He grew up in Arlington, Virginia, and remembers visiting his mother’s family in Pennsylvania where music was an integral part of family gatherings.
“They all sang and played the piano, and when we visited, we would go from house to house and sing and drink beer,” he said, “and we had a great time.”
More formal musical experience came from singing in the choir at church and in the choruses of his 3,000-student high school. After graduating from Susquehanna University (AB in Organ Performance) and the University of South Florida (MM in choral conducting), he began leading choirs as well as singing. Over the years, he has developed and directed music programs for schools and churches in Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Florida and Massachusetts.
Tickets ($15) will be available at Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce – 6 Park Road and at the door.
