CHORAL UNION AT SOUTHERN MISS ORGANIZES FOR SPRING

HATTIESBURG -- The Hattiesburg Choral Union, formerly known as the Symphony Chorus at The University of Southern Mississippi, is organizing for the spring semester.

Under the direction of Gregory Fuller, director of choral activities in the Southern Miss School of Music, community singers may join members of Southern Miss choirs in rehearsal for a March 4 performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 with the Symphony Orchestra.

Rehearsals will begin at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 12 in the Mannoni Performing Arts Center, Room 105. Participation is free of charge for the public. All singers will be responsible for purchasing their own music, which will be available at the first rehearsal.

"The Hattiesburg Choral Union provides the best opportunity for community members to interact with our school as performers, not merely as spectators," Fuller said. "Singers who have participated in outstanding ensembles know that choral singing can be very powerful and inspirational."

A second performance of the Beethoven concert will be presented in conjunction with the Glory of Baroque Dresden exhibition March 5 in Thalia Mara Hall in Jackson as the opening concert of the internationally renowned art exhibition.

The end the semester, the group will participate in a concert called "Voices with Brass" and will present Rutter's "Gloria" and Dell Joio's "To Saint Cecilia" in May 2004.

For more information, call the office of choral activities at 266-4001 or 329-3265.

-30-