Winter Concert

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  PROGRAM

(not in program order)

There Is Faint Music — Dan Forrest

O Love — Elaine Hagenberg 

Ave Maria — Franz Biebl

Lux Aurumque — Eric Whitacre (Chamber Choir)

 O Magnum mysterium -- Lauridsen (Chamber Choir)

The Ground — Ola Gjeilo 

Audience Christmas carol sing alongs

Magnificat — J.S. Bach 

The Rockingham Choral Society (RCS), which is celebrating its 70th season, will soon begin preparing for their winter concert and is looking for new singers—in particular tenors and basses. The chorus will be accompanied this season by a new collaborative pianist, Dr. Justin McCarthy. All interested singers are invited to attend one of the upcoming open rehearsals.

Open rehearsals provide an opportunity to sing alongside current members without obligation. The two open rehearsals will take place September 8 and 15 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Exeter High School in Exeter, NH. Singers planning to attend the open rehearsals are asked to pre-register, which can be done through the group’s website.

Since 1957, the Rockingham Choral Society has expanded and enhanced cultural experiences by performing choral masterpieces and adhering to the highest musical standards. The Choral Society is comprised of over 100 members and is open to singers aged 16 and older. Dues are waived for high school and full-time college students.

The Rockingham Choral Society's winter concerts will be presented on December 5 and 6, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Christ Church in Exeter, NH, and will feature Johann Sebastian Bach's “Magnificat” as the centerpiece of the program, performed with orchestra. Showcasing the depth of talent within the society, and in keeping with the true spirit of a "community" chorus, and as a matter of policy,  all soloists for all solos win all the performances are selected from members of the chorus.

New this year, the Rockingham Choral Society will also launch the RCS Chamber Choir, a select ensemble drawn from members of the full chorus. This auditioned group will provide interested singers with the opportunity to perform more advanced and intimate choral repertoire while complementing the work of the full ensemble.

“Our 70th anniversary year is shaping up to be an exciting one,” said Charlie Smith, board president. “In addition to our winter and spring concerts and the new chamber choir under the baton of Jason Throne, Artistic Director and with newly appointed collaborative pianist/organist Justin McCarthy, we look forward to our continued work promoting choral music in the community through our annual Henry Wing Memorial Scholarship to graduating high school seniors, free concert tickets to area seniors, and participating in Candlelight Stroll at Strawberry Banke.”

The Rockingham Choral Society presents two concert series annually to the audiences in the New Hampshire Seacoast region. More information can be found at www.rockinghamchoral.org  or on the group’s Facebook page.

About Rockingham Choral Society

Since 1957, the Rockingham Choral Society has expanded and enhanced cultural experiences by performing choral masterpieces and adhering to the highest musical standards. With a growing membership of over 100 singers, the Rockingham Choral Society has been and continues to be accompanied by a number of distinguished local musicians throughout their history. The group performs spring and winter concerts annually for audiences in the New Hampshire Seacoast region and is under the direction of Jason Throne. 

For more information, please visit www.rockinghamchoral.org.