Pittsfield — In troubled times, art and friendship reveal a healing power you might have missed. Focusing on beauty and clinging to trusted friends gets us through the worst. And when you see art and friendship combined, there is a good chance you are looking at a community of artists like Berkshire Concert Choir, which is giving 3 p.m. performances at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church on November 16 and 17.
Bach’s “Nach dir, Herr, verlanget mich,” BWV 150 is almost unbearably beautiful but is, in fact, full-strength medicine for the soul.
The choir’s Artistic Director Ryan LaBoy has put together a program that will appeal to a broad range of tastes. Besides Bach, the program includes choral works by Aaron Copland and Randall Thompson, as well as contemporary pieces by U2, Paul Simon, the Wailin’ Jennys, and others. The chorus will be joined by a chamber orchestra in the performance of J.S. Bach’s Cantata BWV 150.
Singing in a choir provides a rare kind of pleasure that you can’t get anywhere else. Feelings of camaraderie blend well with the sense of awe that great choral music inspires. Berkshire County is home to several community choirs that cater to a range of musical interests and age groups. If you live in troubled times and enjoy singing, you might want to consider joining one of them:
Berkshire Concert Choir
Pittsfield
Founded in 1977, this non-auditioned choir welcomes singers of varying experience levels, performing classical, secular, and contemporary works. Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings at Zion Lutheran Church.
Berkshire Lyric
Pittsfield
Established in 1963, Berkshire Lyric comprises multiple choruses, including the main chorus of 70 to 100 singers, Melodious Accord for high school-aged girls, and the Lyric Children’s Chorus for ages six to 13. They perform diverse choral music, culminating in an annual spring oratorio program.
Cantilena Chamber Choir
Lenox
The choir’s repertoire spans from Renaissance to contemporary works, often featuring both a cappella and accompanied pieces. They are known for their annual concerts, including the “Christmas at Trinity” concert.
Berkshire Threshold Choir
Berkshire County
Formed in 2016, this choir brings peace and comfort through quiet song to bedsides in Berkshire County and neighboring communities in New York and Connecticut.
Berkshire Hills Chorus
Pittsfield
A women’s a cappella group specializing in barbershop harmony, affiliated with Sweet Adelines International. They rehearse on Tuesday evenings and participate in regional competitions.
Berkshire Children’s Chorus
Sheffield
Founded in 1990, this nonprofit organization offers choral music education to young people in grades three to 12 from Berkshire County and beyond. The chorus explores music from various cultures and eras, fostering self-confidence, teamwork, and vocal technique through weekly rehearsals.
Lyric Children’s Chorus
Pittsfield
Part of the Berkshire Lyric family of choruses, this ensemble strives to provide a high-quality music experience for children ages six to 13. They perform a wide variety of music ranging from Christmas carols to American folk songs.
These choirs offer opportunities for singers of all ages and skill levels to engage with members of their community to create beauty with their voices.
Hear the Berkshire Concert Choir perform J.S. Bach’s Cantata BWV 150 and other works at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 67 East St. in Pittsfield, on Saturday, November 16, and Sunday, November 17, at 3 p.m. More information and tickets are available here.
