Opera's Greatest Hits April 20 & 21, 2013
Just want to let you know how much my husband and I enjoyed Operas Greatest Hits. Last night was the first time we had been to a SDSC concert, but it will not be our last. We are coming to everyone from now on. We were amazed to know there is so much talent in this area. We will tell all of our friends about the great show and encourage them to attend also. Thank you again for an awesome evening. George & Barbara Travers
Opera's Greatest Hits was superb. You all did an amazing job. I loved every minute. Thank you. Carolyn Wissinger
The performance was great. Dick and I loved it. The soloists were first class. The greeting was delivered impeccably and the narration was fun and informative. Well done. Pat Crabb
I can only echo what everyone is saying. It was a magnificent concert and you all are to be congratulated. I wish I could have be a part of it. Hopefully, I will be able to return sooner than later. At the end of the concert I just cried. It moved me so. Job well done everyone! Marge Lynch
What a privilege it is to be a member of the Southern Delaware Choral Society! Our concerts at Epworth and Mariners Bethel UM Churches were awesome, thanks to our talented and incredibly focused director, Ann, the marvelous soloists and an impressively dedicated choir. I'm so looking forward to next season! Patricia Dieringer on FacebooK
We really enjoyed the concert. Your soloists were wonderful. The choral works were lovely, and the last two (Orff and Bernstein) were impressive. Your pianist really earned his pay! What a nice afternoon! DicK Eckerd, SDCS Founding Conductor
To the cast and characters of the SDCS: I'd like to add to the chorus of bravissimos. From the audience on Saturday (a place unusual for me) I thought the blend was fantastic, the sound superb and the enthusiasm visible. I know that hours of hard work on so many levels contributed to a seamless whole. What a gift. All of the sometimes members out there said to each other, "I wish I'd been singing". Truly the highest compliment of all. (And, Bruce, not a fan of opera, thought it was outstanding as well.)
No one could claim to be bored! Carol Dennenberg - your narration content and delivery (not to mention the outfit(s) set the tone for a program filled with information and respect, but also joy and humor. I loved the anvil. The soloists were incredible with their range and richness of tone. And, Ann, no one could imagine watching you that you haven't been conducting your entire career. How wonderful for John and Margo to see what a fine "care-taking" of this joint enterprise you and the entire SDCS have done. Thank for the gift of a marvelous performance. Sherry Chappelle, Sometimes Second Soprano
PS: More Carmina Burana, please.
The Opera evening was wonderful! William Davenport is a great tenor, Jennifer Holbrook was not too bad either. Of course the chorus was fun to listen to also. FYI, the gentleman next to me was taking notes, which prompted me to ask if he was writing his grocery list! Turns out he was from the agency that provides state funding and he had never been to any of your performances before. He said he enjoyed the evening very much! The woman introducing the arias was very good and she seemed to enjoy herself very much. Marianne, Lewes
Christmas Around the World December 8 and 9, 2012
Dear Friends, Ruth and I thoroughly enjoyed yesterday's concert and congratulate you all on an outstanding performance. What a splendid way to help launch the holidays. We are indeed fortunate to have such a talented and accomplished organization such a SDCS in our community. Ann did a splendid job conducting and seems to provide a seamless transition during the SDCS' challenging period. And, you all clearly enjoyed performing yesterday afternoon. Stuart Brahs, Lewes
Just wanted you to know we thoroughly enjoyed the concert yesterday afternoon. It was wonderful. Looks like you all have lots of fun singing together. It was a treat. Carolyn Smith, Fenwick Island
You all were terrific - and so upbeat! We really enjoyed the concert. Ann did a marvelous job leading, and everyone did all the songs so well. I know this was a hard year for you all, but you came through. I do still miss singing with you though. Miriam Barton, Lewes
Hi Roo, Thanks for the wonderful world tour. Both you and the Southern Delaware Chorus were the best! With the campaign to do away with Christmas, you reinforced the belief that Christmas is worldwide and should be celebrated as it always has been. The concert was a special treat. Merry Christmas. Irene and Maury Robb, Lewes
What a wonderful concert! The music was so interesting; we really enjoyed it. The keyboard is fantastic. Your group is so professional and sounded so great. Congratulations! Kathleen McDonough, Lewes
"Awesome! Inspiring- as everyone should push themselves to go beyond their abilities." Paul Boyer, Rehoboth Beach
Ensemble at Georgetown Presbyterian - Dec. 2, 2012
While I enjoyed the Swedish song immensely, it was Ose Shalom that seared my soul. Hearing it in Hebrew, with the perfect harmony of your voices and the haunting, uplifting melody made me feel as though I were transported back in time into a Jewish synagogue. Sweet tears came as I basked in the reality of the One who makes peace in the heavens and for us and for all Israel.
I have to be in Baltimore this weekend or would come to the concert to hear it again, along with the other incredible selections in other languages.
What an amazing ministry. Please thank the singers for their faithfulness in singing to the glory of God. It is truly hitting the mark.
Candy Abbott, Georgetown
Puttin' On The Ritz
I had such a wonderful time last night. Music is really the fabric of our lives. There was not one song that I didn't know most of the words to, not one that didn't bring back a point in my life that brought me sadness or joy. Not having an I-Pod, it's concerts such as yours that encapsulates the music that is me. Thank everyone as I know the work it took, and YES, I cried...jeez, almost embarrassing! The very best on your next two performances - hope the audience feels the same joy that I received. Nita Gary, Lewes
Tonight was one of the most enjoyable I've had in years listening to all the wonderful voices of the choral society. I left feeling wonderfully fulfilled and truly American. Gosh, you sang the songs from my era and I think it was the very best of any I've heard. So much fun going with another friend from Bethel and we both "moved our lips" with every song. What a way to spend an evening! Sandy Browning had told me the director (John Ranney) was going to sing and wow, quite a voice he has. He is such an inspiration and joy to watch. God Bless and thank you, Doris Hamrick, Lewes
Want you to know how very much we enjoyed the program! The music brought back so many good memories. Your director was really jumping. I would have loved to have been on a dance floor with him about 15 years ago! I received a phone call tonight from my friend who so enjoyed the program and as she put it, “Your director was shaking his bootie.” Katherine, Seaford
I am so glad I attended the spring concert last night. It was a wonderful selection of music and an excellent performance by all. The solo selected for Roo was the perfect match! I also noticed that the choir seems to represent a real mix of ages. I’m sure that is the result of a focused recruitment strategy. Bravo to all! Rehoboth Beach fan
If word of mouth plays a role, John’s antics should double future attendance! Good job all! From where I was sitting in the back of the Epworth sanctuary, it was very moving to watch “the wave” spontaneously begin to stand as you launched into “God Bless America.” It was one of those moments that could not have been orchestrated and provided a fitting climax to a wonderfully spirited experience. Beth Hochholzer, SDCS Exec Director, Emeritus
Choral members, on two separate occasions this AM I was stopped by neighbors who wanted to tell me how much they enjoyed the performance last night. One lady turned to her friend and went on at length about how there was just one great number after another and how good we were. Another gentleman said he had gone, not expecting to like it. He had the warmest smile as he told about the memories the songs brought back, the great arrangements, and how well we performed them. Michael Petrenko, SDCS Member
I, too, received rave reviews for our performance from 10 people who attended last night. Among other compliments, SDCS was noted as a "top shelf" group which gave a stirring, memorable performance. Makes me proud to be a member. Fran Feighery, SDCS Member
I heard nothing but good comments about all three performances. Mary Ann Torkleson, SDCS Member
What fun I had last evening when I attended the Spring concert. The music was great, the singing terrific, the band outstanding, and John Ranney stole the show with body and soul engaged to the delight of the audience. Putting on the Ritz indeed! Barbara Vaughan, Lewes Councilwoman
WOW !!! WELL DONE !!! NANCY H., Seaford
The concert was so enjoyable. The women enjoyed the choral director - he was really dancing! I enjoyed seeing a drummer out front - never realized they had so many tools to deal with. Know Rich is tired but it was really good. Mary Anne Genshaw, Seaford
Connie and I really enjoyed it. We marveled at the amount of material you folks covered. GOOD JOB! Joe Roszin, Laurel
My parents, sister, aunt and friends enjoyed our performance on Sat. immensely. My Aunt, from Pearl River, NY, has missed only one performance since I started with SDCS 6 semesters ago. Aunt Ann was especially moved by the selection" What'll I do?" She always greatly enjoys enjoys John's performance also! Peggi Gatti, SDCS Member
It was so much fun, for us, the audience, but it looked as if you all had a great time too! The music made me want to dance again, it brought back great memories. Marianne Hokke
On Friday, family members heard our concert from the front row. Sterling enjoyed it so much, he might give a try at some of the songs with his recorder. Our daughter said, "Nancy's solo made me smile." (Our daughter is a singer herself and teaches music to preschoolers and their parents.) Both granddaughters, 5 and 3, danced to many of the pieces and were so entranced that they stayed for the entire concert. As the 3 year old was zipping up my dress before the Sunday performance, she said, "YaYa, I want to sing in a choir." And I can't get the melodies, rhythm, and jazz out of my head! Kudos to all!!! Nettie Green, SDCS Member
So glad John has a large podium. Don't want him dancing off the edge! Need to keep him safe to continue to lead this wonderful group in future performances. Couldn't help noticing all the smiling faces headed out into the rain after Sunday's performance. Wonderful concert for a rainy Sunday afternoon! Great job!! Congratulations to you all. Kelly Abbott, Georgetown
Fabulous and a wonderful selection of music! We thoroughly enjoyed the entire performance. Pat Hartman, Ocean View, DE
Handel's Messiah
Great performance by all today. Phil Wheeler, Lewes
Thoroughly enjoyed the concert. The soloists were wonderful and the choir sounded grand! John was, as usual, a charmer, making everyone feel included and welcome. I think, though, that I should have attended both concerts. With the sing along, I didn't really get to pay as much attention to the choir as I would have if not "singing along." Attending both concerts would have been the answer. I'll try to remember that. Kelly Abbott, Georgetown
The sing-along Messiah yesterday was wonderful!! All the soloists had strong, beautiful voices, and the chorus and orchestra sounded very good. It was great fun!! Thank you. Diane Sherwin
What a terrific concert!!!! Thanks so much to our maestro John for mastering such beautiful music and leading a 80 member chorus, a 18 member orchestra and four paid professional soloists. Wow, what a job! Thanks to Gail for being the rudder to our ship and seeing that are coffers are full and venues packed. Thanks to Ann for being our stage manager and putting up with the need for adjustments. Enjoy your time off, rest those vocal chords and have a very Merry Christmas! Jack Emery, Lewes
After singing for many years with the group, this concert was a real mountain-top experience for me. The orchestra was great, soloists great, and receptive, full audiences. I feel very blessed to have been a part of it. My friends' comments have been wonderful, too. Thanks to the board and John for pulling it all together again. Now I can get on with Christmas! Mary Ann Torkelson
I thank you all. It was difficult to hold back tears of awe and joy as this group came together to honor our Lord in so powerful a praise. I feel so blessed to be a part of all of you! Thank you sincerely for the gift which I will treasure in my heart always. Jean Dejewski
Hi Phyllis: I wanted to tell you that the S.Del. Choral Soc. concert on Saturday was a pleasure. I thought the Hallelujah Chorus was the most exciting yet. The tenor was outstanding! As former chorus members, we knew some of the rough spots, but overall the performance was very good and I am amazed that the music can seem so fresh after all these years. Loved the soprano trumpet! Betty Carnahan
My spirits were lifted with the 'difficult to perform' music and singing. Beverly Cook
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the concert on Saturday night. Everything sounded beautiful-wonderful soloists, best orchestra ever, and the best sound from the sopranos I've ever heard. I'm only sorry I wasn't able to be a part of it. Hopefully, the Spring concert will be just as superb. I miss you all. Carol Stutts.
From Gabrieli to Gospel
“What a wonderful program! It was exciting to hear the music…but also to learn about how/when different configurations of choral arrangements were first tried. I think my favorite piece was when the DCS group was in the back and your group was in front; also, when you all performed without any instruments.” Midge Smith, Lewes
“Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the concert. I was so impressed with the performance, the difficulty of the music, and how well you all performed.” Kelly Abbott, Georgetown
“Loved the concert, especially gospel!” Ann McNeil and Barbara Kelly, Lewes
"What a delight to sit in the audience and listen to you all and the Delaware Choral Society (which I used to be part of)! SDCS's first offering of Haydn and Tunder was first class and of course, it was hard for me to stay in my seat. The combined choirs were extravagant! From my likes, I wish you and Delaware Choral Society had skipped the first two offerings of Part 2--the Wesley and Sowerby pieces and gone right to the incredible last pieces of the Combined Choirs. The program would have been shorter and better. All in all, congratulations on a job well done!" Nettie Green, Rehoboth
"Ellen and I thoroughly enjoyed the concert. I preferred the first half, and she the second (giving away my preference for classical, especially baroque and Bach's Mass in B Minor), but we both felt both halves were great. In fact, I was especially moved by the spiritual, We Shall Walk Through The Valley In Peace, I told John after the concert that I would like to have some choir sing that at my funeral when that time comes. Bravo indeed!" Ed Thress, Seaford
"My sister, who sings in the Chester County Choral Society and majored in Music/Voice as primary instrument, said we did a great job. She was impressed with the technical difficulty of some of the pieces and how well we handled them. SHe traveled from Oxford PA for the show and said it was well worth the trip! My Parents and Aunt traveled from NJ and NY and thoroughly enjoyed the concert. Mom previously sang in the Morris County Chorus and Ensemble; she looked at the music before the concert and was impressed, and said we did a great job with all the selections." Peggy Gatti
An English Christmas
“We REALLY enjoyed the concert Saturday night. The blending of all your voices was so smooth, and everyone around where we were sitting really loved the harp (I’m kinda partial to the cello). As we were exiting the theatre, we both almost simultaneously said that your concert was the perfect way to start the holiday season. We loved hearing, yet again, the medieval and English carols…and the sing-alongs added another warm holiday feel.” Midge Smith and Carl Wisler, Lewes
"Hi Dan, just want to let you know that Sherri and I thoroughly enjoyed the concert yesterday! Relaxing and uplifting....! Thanks for letting us know about it." Dick Byrne, Rehoboth Beach
“We so much enjoyed the concert last night. The Society makes such beautiful and meaningful music. And the talent, work and devotion you put into it is so clear – and much appreciated.” Roni Posner & Jeri Berc, Lewes
“The Southern Delaware Choral Society was great yesterday….enjoyed the performance and the harp immensely. Thank your for all you did to bring Delaware Technical and Community College and the Choral Society together in partnership.” Maribeth Dockety, Director of Human Resources, DTCC
“We all enjoyed Saturday night so much.Thank you.” Joyce Lussier, Rehoboth Beach
“Saturday’s concert was WONDERFUL!” Ann McNeil & Barbara Kelley, Lewes
"We really enjoyed the concert on Sunday!" Joe Roszin, Laurel
Spring 2010 Dress Rehearsal
