Encore Creativity for Older Adults, America’s largest choral organization for adults over 55, welcomes new and returning singers to the fall session of its Encore Chorale of New York City, a popular local choral group that sings a fun and eclectic mix of music in many styles and from many different eras.
Encore is accepting registration now for its 15-week program that begins September 7th, 2022. No auditions are necessary. The session will culminate in a holiday concert that is free and open to the public. The conductor is Bernadette Hoke, an active pianist, organist, conductor, and collaborative musician in the New York City area.
After recently retiring from a 40+ year career in corporate finance, 70-year-old Mark Aaron was seeking opportunities to pursue some long-standing interests in the arts. “I have discovered a joy and passion for singing upon joining the Encore Chorale of New York City last year,” said Aaron. “Encore offers proof that we can master artistic pursuits and become creative as we age.”
The Encore Chorale of New York City will meet at Broadway Presbyterian Church, 601 W. 114th Street on Wednesdays, starting September 7th, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Tuition is $190.00 per person for the 15-week program. Encore will follow all City, State and Federal Covid-19 guidelines. For more information and registration, visit https://encorecreativity.org/ or call 301-261-5747.
For those who prefer to sing virtually, Encore is also offering its popular Encore University, a comprehensive online program of singing plus enrichment courses in music history, music theory, dance, art, movement classes and more. Tuition for the fall semester of Encore University is $185.00 per person. Singers can combine both the in-person program with online classes for a full musical experience.
Founded in 2007 by Jeanne Kelly during an NIH-funded study to address the mental and physical health benefits of singing for older adults, Encore Creativity for Older Adults, an Annapolis, Md.-based nonprofit, now has more than 1,000 singers in 30 programs across the nation, including Chorales and ROCKS (rock & roll choruses) and Sentimental Journey Singers, a choir for those with early Alzheimer’s or memory impairments and their care partners, plus a vibrant online university, summer camp, winter retreat and travel abroad programs. Encore’s mission is to provide an accessible arts education and performance opportunities for older adults regardless of ability or experience.
