ATLANTA, GA. (Top40 Charts/ Elysium Chamber Orchestra and Chorus) - Elysium Chamber Orchestra and Chorus, the first joint chamber choral-orchestral group in the Southeast, recently announced its formation and debut performances. The Atlanta-based chamber group is comprised of approximately 36 vocalists and 20 instrumentalists.
Conductors P. David Hancock and Alan Raines founded Elysium in 2005. In Greek mythology, Elysium means "Paradise." Hancock and Raines strongly believe in the connection between beautiful music and Paradise and view the organization's mission of sharing chamber music with the community as an artistic, educational and spiritual calling.
Elysium's debut performances are scheduled May 11-13 at Northside Drive Baptist Church, 3100 Northside Drive N.W. Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 8 p.m. and the Sunday performance will begin at 3 p.m. The performance repertoire will include the Mozart Requiem and Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings. Tickets can be purchased at the door by cash or check. Adult tickets are $15, and student and children tickets are $8.
"I am excited about the opportunity to create high-quality chamber music," said Raines. He says Elysium concerts will create more intimacy between the performer and the audience through the combined power of instrumental music and voice. "I am thrilled about our incredibly supportive board and the opportunity to play for the Atlanta community," he added.
The combined chamber orchestra and chorus will unite the world-class talents of Hancock and Raines, two conductors known for their exquisite musicianship. Hancock has served as the artistic director of Chamber Music Atlanta since 1993 and assistant conductor of the Chamber Orchestra of Tennessee since 2003. He frequently performs in the Southeast as a soloist and chamber musician, and has been the principal cellist of the Nashville Chamber Orchestra since 1993. Raines is the newly appointed director of choral activities and associate professor of music at Stetson University. His conducting engagements have taken him throughout Europe and Korea. He is in frequent demand as a guest clinician and conductor for choruses throughout the United States.
Hancock is eager to collaborate with Raines on Elysium, a performance and recording group the conductors have dreamed of creating for several years. "I have never been transported like I have with choral and orchestral music," said Hancock. He explains his vision for Elysium as "trying to create a framework or canvas for God to give us a gift each time, musically."
Raines emphasizes his gratitude for the Atlanta community that has helped bring this unique chamber performance group to the Southeast. Following its debut, Elysium's next performances are scheduled October 12, 13 and 14. For more information on how to donate or volunteer with Elysium, please e-mail [email protected], or contact Debra Jansen at (678) 234-2779 or [email protected].
