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Thursday, May 16, 2002

By Andrew Druckenbrod, Post-Gazette Classical Music Critic

Don't be shy -- you know who you are. You love singing, but you either have stage fright or are too busy to sing with a full-time chorus. Now you have no excuses.

This summer, the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh again presents a Summer Choral Institute, where amateurs and interested professionals will join to sing. It's the second year of the program that will present four sessions of about 100 singers each.

"Last summer was successful beyond our expectations," says Ellen Sheppard, managing director. "We threw it out as a trial balloon, and we attracted people from throughout the state, from West Virginia, Maryland and Ohio."

With many amateur singers in its own membership, the Bach Choir's main objective was to involve more people in choral singing. "Most choral organizations break in the summer," says Sheppard. "This is a great opportunity for people to get together and keep their vocal cords lubricated and have a lot of fun."

Three of the sessions culminate in public concerts, including a complete performance of "Carmina Burana" that will use children and the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra. Artistic director Brady Allred will conduct the rehearsals and concerts. Sessions, which take place primarily on evenings and weekends, are at the Duquesne University Mary Pappert School of Music.

Session 1: Haydn's "Lord Nelson" Mass, Mozart "Coronation" Mass, Poulanc's "Gloria," Schubert's Mass in G and Handel's "Messiah" (June 18, 25, July 2, 9). No concert.

Session 2: Durufle's "Requiem" and "Four Motets based on Gregorian Themes" (June 20-23). Free concert at Trinity Cathedral, Downtown.

Session 3: Orff's "Carmina Burana" (June 27-30). Concert at Upper St. Clair High School. $7.

Session 4: Copland's "Old American Songs" and "The Tender Land," Hansons' "Song of Democracy," Thompson's "Alleluia" and spirituals (July 11-13). Concert at Kelly-Strayhorn Community Performing Arts Center in East Liberty.

Registration is $50-$80, $35 youth registration for Session 3; 412-454-0800 or www.bachchoirpittsburgh.org. Deadline is May 31.