Fret not: There will be a ‘Messiah’

The New Mexico Symphonic Chorus is announcing its second season, beginning with masterpieces by Haydn and Bernstein on Oct. 14 and concluding with Orff’s stirring “Catulli Carmina” on May 5. Season tickets for the four musical programs are now on sale.

The 89 chorus members, most of whom were formerly with the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra Chorus, were conducted by music director Roger Melone in the chorus’ inaugural 2011-2012 season, which included three successful performances.

“As we begin our second season, the New Mexico Symphonic Chorus members are excited to see our dream of performing the highest-quality chorus works on our own season come true,” Melone said “Thanks to the solid support of New Mexico’s music lovers during our first season as an independent chorus, we will be offering an even bigger and better second season.”

The second season will begin with a performance of Haydn’s Mass in D Minor, Lord Nelson Mass, and Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms” at 3 p.m. Oct. 14.

On Dec. 16, the Chorus will perform Handel’s “Messiah” at 3 p.m. with Melone conducting from the harpsichord.

“A Choral Tapestry” will be performed at 3 p.m. Feb. 24. Included in the kaleidoscope of choral offerings will be works from well-known composers, including Anton Bruckner and Johannes Brahms, to local composers, including the chorus’ own Alf Houkom.

The season will conclude with Orff’s “Catulli Carmina,” the stirring equal of “Carmina Burana,” and Brahms’ Liebeslieder Walzer, Op. 52. The “Other Carmina” will be performed with an ensemble of four pianists and 14 percussionists.

In addition to its own season, the New Mexico Symphonic Chorus will be performing in the New Mexico Philharmonic’s production of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 (“Resurrection”), conducted by Uriel Segal, at 6 p.m. Sept. 15, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, in Popejoy Hall.

All performances will be at the National Hispanic Cultural Center Journal Theatre, except Handel’s “Messiah” on Dec. 16 in Popejoy Hall on the University of New Mexico campus.

Season ticket packages range from $59 to $207, a 10 percent savings from purchasing individual tickets.

Detailed information on purchasing season tickets is available online at www.nmschorus.org or in the new season brochure. People who would like to receive a brochure may email their address to info@nmschorus.org.

Individual concert tickets will range from $15 to $60, and sales will begin Aug. 15. Students and groups of 15 or more will receive a 20 percent discount. Tickets will be available online at www.nmschorus.org.

Ticket sales for concerts other than “Messiah” also will be conducted in person or on the phone at the NHCC box office, 1701 Fourth SW, 724-4771. For “Messiah” at Popejoy Hall, tickets also will be available at Albertsons supermarkets, the UNM Bookstore, the Pit and through the UNM ticket office, 925-5858.

Chorus auditions for the 2012-13 season will be held in early August. More information is posted on the chorus website, www.nmschorus.org.