A collaboration with Syracuse University's Brass Ensemble featuring polychoral works from 16th Century Venice

A collaboration with Syracuse University's Brass Ensemble featuring polychoral works from 16th Century Venice

Announcing upcoming auditions for the Syracuse Vocal Ensemble! Meet new people, create beautiful music, and be a part of a professional level choir!

Please e-mail Christine Richardson at richardson.christine807@gmail.com to set up your time.

The Syracuse Vocal Ensemble, directed by Julie Pretzat, will present “Shakespeare and Love,” a concert of choral music setting the texts of William Shakespeare on Saturday, March 26 at 3:00 pm at May Memorial Unitarian Society, 3800 E Genesee Street, Syracuse NY. Interspersed with the music selections will be dramatic readings of scenes and sonnets by “The Bard” presented by actors Mark Cole and Robin Curtis.

Mark Cole, Professor Emeritus of Theatre at SUNY Oswego, has numerous acting credits, including the Fool in King Lear (Syracuse Shakespeare Festival), Andrew Borden in Lizzie Borden Took an Axe (Covey Theatre Company), and roles in the films Impossible Choice (Media Artists) and Viking Funeral (Jetpacks Go!).

A SUNY Oswego Theater alumna and professional actress for over twenty years, Robin Curtis’ career spanned film (Star Trek III and IV), television (MacGyver, Murder. She Wrote, Night Court), commercial campaigns (American Express, International Coffees), and playing all the great wenches of musical theater. She serves on the Syracuse Stage board, the CNY Arts Council, and attends the Friends of the Central Library Author Series.

The composers setting texts from many of Shakespeare’s well-known plays and sonnets include Robert Johnson of the 16th Century through Ralph Vaughan Williams and William Mathias to contemporary composers Matthew Harris and Nancy Wertsch. Glen Kime will serve as the piano accompanist for the concert.

Tickets are $10 for adults, free for students and children, and available at the door. Cash or checks are preferred.

Please be aware that current protocols at the concert venue require masks for singers and the audience.

Nightingales, larks, swans, bluebirds, blackbirds, and other feathered friends will be celebrated in song, as we collaborate with Baltimore Woods, the Audubon Society, and local artists for an afternoon of music and activities. The program will feature a commissioned piece by Paul Leary, a work by Syracuse native Nick Gianopoulos, as well as favorites from the Renaissance through the 21st century.

Julie Pretzat, conductor

Nightingales, larks, swans, bluebirds, blackbirds, and other feathered friends will be celebrated in song, as we collaborate with Baltimore Woods, the Audubon Society, and local artists for an afternoon of music and activities. The program will feature a commissioned piece by Paul Leary, a work by Syracuse native Nick Gianopoulos, as well as favorites from the Renaissance through the 21st century.

Julie Pretzat, conductor

Join us for a holiday delight featuring John La Fontaine’s Nine Lessons for Christmas for choir, percussion, and harp. The remainder of the program will include familiar carols, and selections in celebration of the season. Afterwards, join us for our best cookies at the post-concert reception.

Julie Pretzat, conductor

Join us for a holiday delight featuring John La Fontaine’s Nine Lessons for Christmas for choir, percussion, and harp. The remainder of the program will include familiar carols, and selections in celebration of the season. Afterwards, join us for our best cookies at the post-concert reception.

Julie Pretzat, conductor

A concert featuring texts and music in praise of the power of music and in honor of Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music. The program will include selections by Purcell and Handel with chamber orchestra, as well as recent music on the theme by British and American composers, including Gerald Finzi and Benjamin Britten.

Julie Pretzat, conductor

A concert featuring texts and music in praise of the power of music and in honor of Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music. The program will include selections by Purcell and Handel with chamber orchestra, as well as recent music on the theme by British and American composers, including Gerald Finzi and Benjamin Britten.

Julie Pretzat, conductor

SVE's annual chance to swing with great vocal jazz. Get a jump on summer and feel the beat! One performance only. 

Jeff Welcher, conductor

Works on winter and spring texts, including Poulenc's Un Soir de Neige, Debussy's Trois Chansons, choruses from Haydn's The Seasons, several Renaissance pieces, and more. 

Julie Pretzat, guest conductor

Works on winter and spring texts, including Poulenc's Un Soir de Neige, Debussy's Trois Chansons, choruses from Haydn's The Seasons, several Renaissance pieces, and more. 

Julie Pretzat, guest conductor

Music of the season selected by four of SVE's singer-conductors as they each take a turn at the podium. Then join us for our best cookies at the post-concert reception. 

Brian Ackles, Anne Jamison, Sandy Murphy, and CJ Oliver, conductors

Music of the season selected by four of SVE's singer-conductors as they each take a turn at the podium. Then join us for our best cookies at the post-concert reception. 

Brian Ackles, Anne Jamison, Sandy Murphy, and CJ Oliver, conductors

Music of contemporary composers James MacMillan, Sally Beamish, and Sheena Phillips will be featured, as well as poetry of Robert Burns and arrangements of well-known Scottish folk songs. 

Carl Johengen, guest conductor