Haydn Concert Comments

"I was astounded at the level of professionalism exhibited at the SD Choral Society's Haydn's Mass.  From the moment they walked on stage they transcended from a "just a local group" to a choir worthy of the Pope and national TV.  All Delaware should be made aware of the fact  that it has a choir commensurate with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  I hope the Vice President requests it perform at some public functions in Washington, DC." Loretta Werres, Ocean View, DE

"I hope you will share with your Choral Society friends how much we enjoyed the concert last evening. I especially liked the interludes where the service men and women's letters were read. Some of us are so far removed from war that we don't often take time to realize the real sacrifices that are being made on our behalf. It was a special night!"
Janet Dickerson (who travelled from Wilmington with three friends to attend the concert)

"I cannot remember ever attending a choral performance of this length, but the chorus
seemed to get better as the evening went on.  The readings between the movements made the music contemporary and kept the audience focused on the theme.  I was concerned about the men's sections, particularly the tenors, which seemed weak in previous SDCS concerts, but the men did their homework and really shinned last Saturday.  The young principals were a delight to hear, even though Haydn seemed to write these pieces for a chorus.  The whole evening was more than entertaining-it was very moving. Roo Brown's "You Will Be With Us" was a perfect way to end this passionate evening.  I need to get this song from her and sing it myself." Gary A Colangelo, DDS, Rehoboth Beach

"Since I have enjoyed the Choral Society's concerts in the past, I am happy to say that the performance of Haydn's "Mass in Time of War was without a doubt the most beautiful.  The blending of the voices of the group, as well as the soloists, was near perfection.  The Epworth United Methodist Church had very much to do with the acoustical enjoyment.
We were moved by the reading of the letters from the Delaware military men to their families, as well as seeing their pictures above the stage prior to the performance.  Lastly, the composition of Roo Brown was a beautiful tribute to the bravery of the young men who gave their lives for their country."   Eileen Phillips, Ocean View, DE

"What an evening!  It was my first time in that sanctuary which seemed a very fine place for the event.  The music was wonderful as were the soloists.  Given the timelessness of the music,  I thought the readings very effectively brought us back to the reality of now."

Kathryn Harris, Lewes

"'Marvelous' is the one word that comes to mind in describing the Southern Delaware Choral Society's diligence, perseverance and devotion to Haydn.  The Choral Society is most heartily commended for an outstanding job. My wife and I really enjoyed the program.  The evening was a treat for us.  Superior performance......"         

Sincerely,  Richard A. Hansen, Lewes                                                                                                                        

"We were just thrilled with the concert on Saturday night.The chorus was at their BEST, the soloists were excellent, and the  idea of the readings was superb!  We can't say enough about how pleased we were, and how much the music and the ambiance added to our thoughts for days."  Sincerely, Russ and Ellen Notar, Lewes

"Of course, the four soloists were outstanding and the chorus has .....improved a hundred percent...".  Ed Conroy, Rehoboth Beach  (Mr. Conroy has attended every concert from the beginning of the SDCS's existence.)

"....the Spring  Concert was really quite wonderful....While two masses were a little over our two Jewish heads, the concert was a deeply moving experience, for sure."            Roni Posner, Lewes