2011 - Press Releases
Orange County Choral Society to Present Choral
Music for Royal Occasions April 30th
Huntington Beach, CA, April 14-- The Orange County Choral Society (OCCS), under the direction of Christopher Gravis, continues its 7th season of providing quality choral music for the community with a royal tribute of majestic choral and orchestral music on April 30th. Highlighting the 7:00 pm program at St. Wilfrid of York Episcopal Church, 18631 Chapel Lane, Huntington Beach will be Handel’s Coronation Anthems as well as Parry’s I Was Glad and Jerusalem (popularized by the movie “Chariots of Fire”).
The OCCS is a nonprofit 501( c ) 3 performing arts organization, dedicated to promoting the appreciation of choral music in Orange County through accessible and affordable performances of masterworks concerts. Tickets are available for $15 at the door (students are $5). OCCS is a proud participant in the 2011 Orange County Imagination Celebration program. For more information about the Orange County Imagination Celebration program, visit www.artsoc.org.
OCCS Announces 2nd Magnum Opus
Choral Composition Contest
Huntington Beach, CA, Mar. 1 --The Orange County Choral Society, a 501(c)3 nonprofit performing arts organization in Southern California, has announced its annual choral composition competition. Called Magnum Opus, the competition runs through July 1st, during which time entrants may submit an adaptation of a Christmas carol, or an American Christmas hymn or theme, or an original piece on a Christmas-related theme -- either as an a cappella piece or with accompaniment.
One Grand Prize winner will receive $1,000 in cash, and will have his/her work debuted at the OCCS December 2011 Christmas concert in Orange County. Compositions will be judged by a distinguished panel of judges from various walks of musical life including choral and orchestral conductors, orchestral composers, music educators and others with extensive choral experience. For complete Magnum Opus entry information and submission form, visit: www.OCChoralSociety.org
Orange County Choral Society to Hold Annual Fundraiser Featuring Casino Night and Silent Auction
Huntington Beach, CA, Mar. 1 -- The Orange County Choral Society will hold its Annual Fundraiser featuring casino games and silent auction with refreshments on April 2nd, 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm at the Center at Founders Village, 17967 Bushard St., Fountain Valley. Tickets are $50 per person and are available at the door or at the website www.OCChoralSociety.org. Proceeds from the event will help defray orchestral expenses for the group’s April 30th masterworks concert. This year’s concert at St. Wilfrid of York Episcopal Church, Huntington Beach, pays tribute to the music of kings and features Handel’s Coronation Anthems among other royal compositions. The Orange County Choral Society is a non-profit, 501(c)3 performing arts organization dedicated to promoting appreciation and knowledge of choral music through the performance of masterworks concerts and events for the local community.
2010 - Press Releases
A “Change” Comes to OC Catholic Chorale
Huntington Beach, CA, Jan 20, 2010 – The Orange County Catholic Chorale, a masterworks choral ensemble formed in 2002, is changing its name effective with its 2010 season to the Orange County Choral Society. According to Ken Keller, board president, the name change is designed to allow for more diverse musical genre programs and, also, to not infer any specific “affiliation.”
“Like many choirs, we have had to take stock of our present formation and move on with what is best for the future growth of the organization,” said Keller. “At the time it was formed, OCCC consisted almost exclusively of members from local Catholic parish choirs. Although we are a non-denominational organization and have always welcomed members from other faith communities, the name ‘Catholic’ could be seen by many as being ‘too specific and limiting.’” The new name, added Keller, also allows us to continue the organization’s mission: “Providing an accessible and professional classical music experience through performance of exceptional musical literature that enriches the educational and cultural life of the community.”
Christopher Gravis, the Chorale’s newly appointed Artistic Director, adds “We are very excited about implementing new strategies for the ensemble as we make it more visible in the community with a new diverse membership drive and programs to increase awareness, involvement, and support from the corporate sector.”
The 2010 season will begin in March with a Silient Auction fundraiser and evening of jazz, wine, food and great bargains. The May concert will feature Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem followed in July by the annual free Stars and Stripes Forever Concert. The final event of the season will be an All Souls Day Remembrance program featuring Fauré’s Requiem.
OC Catholic Chorale Names New Artistic Director
Huntington Beach, CA – The Board of Directors of Orange County Catholic Chorale has named Christopher Gravis as its new Artistic Director for the upcoming 2010 season. He succeeds Brian Dehn, founder and former artistic director, now Director Emeritus. Chris will assume the role in January, conducting rehearsals and concerts as well as directing event programming, fundraising, and long-term strategic planning. “I am tremendously impressed with the Board’s professionalism and the dedication of Chorale members, “ said Gravis. “They obviously have a passion for their music, mission and the community they serve. I am excited to have been selected to help advance their musical and artistic growth, “ he added. Ken Keller, board president, noted, “We are confident that Christopher’s experience, enthusiasm, leadership and exciting vision are a perfect fit for our organization, and we believe he is the right person to take us to the ‘next level’ of choral accomplishment
Gravis studied with John Alexander of the Pacific Chorale, and has assisted in preparing professional and volunteer choruses for other notable conductors such as John Williams and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops, and John Mauceri with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. He is a recipient of numerous honors and awards including: membership in Pi Kappa Lamda; recipient of the Eliot Alexander Memorial Scholarship Award presented by the Pacific Chorale, and being named a Chorus America Conducting Fellow at the College Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati.
Gravis currently serves as the music director, First Presbyterian Church, Fullerton, and is also a board member of “Scores for Good,” a nonprofit organization that specializes in publishing the new works of choral composers. He has studied cathedral music Salzburg, Austria, and earned his Bachelor of Music from University of Redlands, and his Master of Music in choral conducting from California State University at Fullerton. Gravis is currently studying and teaching at the University of Southern California, Thornton School of Music where he is pursuing his Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in choral music.