Mad River Chorale moves summer fundraising concert to Camp Meade
August 24, 2021 | By Waterbury Roundabout 
The Mad River Chorale will perform outdoors Thursday at Camp Meade in Middlesex. Courtesy file photo from a 2018 concert
The Mad River Chorale has announced that it has moved its concert for this Thursday, Aug. 26, to outdoors at Camp Meade at 7 p.m.
The group originally planned its summer fundraising concert, “Excerpts from Operas,” for the Waterbury Congregational Church at 7 p.m. The shift was due to COVID-19 concerns, explained board member Jane Hobart.
The move comes as COVID-19 cases locally have been on the rise, particularly in Waterbury where a recent outbreak and community spread have led to a the highest spike in cases of the pandemic.
One important note: Should the weather not cooperate and be clear by 6 p.m., the concert will be moved back to the Waterbury Congregational Church and audience members will need to wear masks, no exceptions, organizers said. Performers will not be masked but all are vaccinated and will have had a negative COVID-19 test within 24 hours of the concert.
Aside from the change in venue, the program will proceed as planned, Hobart said.
Chorale conductor and former pianist Mary Jane Austin will accompany singers in a program of excerpts from operas such as Mozart’s “Figaro” and Verdi’s “Rigoletto,” among others.
Featured singers are basses Erik Kroncke and José Schmidt, tenor Andy Ross, sopranos Lillian Broderick and Shannon Seymour-Michl, and alto Nessa Rabin.
Given current public health recommendations regarding COVID-19, audience members will be required to wear masks. Performers will not be masked but all are vaccinated and will have had a negative covid test within 24 hours of the concert.
The public is invited to attend this non-ticketed event. Mad River Chorale, like all arts organizations, has had financial difficulties during the pandemic as performances have been curtailed. The organization understands that individuals also have been financially affected over the past year. No admission will be charged but donations will be gratefully accepted at the door.
Should COVID-19 circumstances change or state guidelines be revised to affect this performance, plans for this event might also change. Check online at madriverchorale.net for the latest information.