Master Chorale Chosen For Gospelfest

The Connecticut Master Chorale has been selected as a competition finalist for “McDonald’s Gospelfest 2001: A Musical Odyssey.”

Choral groups from all around the tri-state area auditions for the cometion. The CT Master Chorale, which is directed by Tina Johns Heidrich of Brookfield, submitted a recording of a selection it had perfomed at St Mary’s Church in Bethel last November. From a field of 2,163 entries in the adult choir category, Connecticut Master Chorale was selected as one of 12 finalists.

There will be four McDonald’s Gospelfest 2001 competitions in the tri-state area this year, each featuring finalists in six categories. In addition to the adult choir, competition categories include youth choir, soloists, rappers, steppers and praise dancers. Also appearing will be the entertainers Melba Moore, Cissy Houston, Hezekiah Walker, and Tramaine Hawkins, as well as the McDonald’s Gospelfest Choir.

Connecticut Master Chorale will participate in the final competition, which will be held at The Palace Theatre at Stamford Center for the Arts on Sunday, May 27, at 4 pm. The McDonald’s Gospelfest 2001 competition in Stamford will be recorded and then televised on ABC7 on July 14. The Stamford show is the only competition being taped.

The chorale is comprised of 55 select, highly gifted, auditioned singers from over 20 towns in Connecticut and New York who share in the joy of making beautiful music together. Current Newtown members include Judy Bolducm Ginnie Carey, Wendy Fong, David Jurman, Joel Romanelli, Grant Skinner and John Sullivan.

The exceptional talent and commitment of each singer enables swift mastery of the music, allowing the ensemble to perform several professional-level concerts each year. Joseph Jacovino is accompanist for the chorale.