Having returned recently from a successful performance of the Verdi Requiem at Festival Como Citta della Musica in Lake Como, Italy, the highly acclaimed Connecticut Choral Society (CCS) has a new home and a renewed commitment to bring musical innovation and excellence to its audiences.

"After several years of searching, the Connecticut Choral Society is very pleased to announce that we have found a new rehearsal home at the beautiful and historic Trinity Episcopal Church in Newtown," said Jill Heidel, Connecticut Choral Society Board of Trustees president. Founded in 1980, the 80-voice ensemble of auditioned singers had outgrown its former rehearsal location in Southbury and needed to find a new home where it could continue to grow and serve as an outstanding musical resource both in Connecticut and throughout the world.

CCS now rehearses each Monday at the Main Street church.

"Communication through music is important," said Eric Dale Knapp, artistic director and conductor for CCS. "Music has the power to uplift, enlighten, inspire, and ignite the human soul and helps bring people together. We are looking forward to sharing that musical connection with the greater Newtown community."

The singers who form the choral society come from many different towns and all walks of life. They share a passion for great choral music and strive to deliver engaging and innovative musical experiences that will resonate with audiences of all ages.

In December, CCS will present a Candlelight and Carols Concert Series titled "The Gift of Christmas." Filled with ancient and modern sounds ranging from Gregorian chants to pops - with a dash of swing thrown in - the concert allows the audience to share in the fun by singing along to some holiday favorites.

Concerts will be at Trinity Episcopal Church on Friday, December 8, at 8 pm; and then Saturday, December 9, at 3 pm; and Sunday, December 10, at 3 pm, at North Congregational Church in Woodbury.

Tickets for all performances are $25 for adults and $20 for youth/seniors and may be purchased online at ctchoralsociety.org. They can also be purchased at Villarina in Southbury (22 Poverty Road) and Newtown (20 Church Hill Road); and Woodbury Drug, 682 Main Street South (Route 6) in Woodbury.

Tickets at the door will be an additional $5 each.

CCS's spring offering, "The French Connection, "will musically remember, honor, and create understanding surrounding the historical legacy of Armistice Day. The program's creators are hoping to help educate both young and old about the battle that was intended to end all wars.

For additional information call 888-927-2933 or visit ctchoralsociety.com.

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