Marcel Ramalho’s first season as the Augusta Choral Society’s artistic director and conductor got off to a rocky start last fall as Hurricane Helene led to the cancellation of the season opener.
In spite of that initial setback, Ramalho felt it was a positive year which strengthened his relationship with the singers and bolstered the organization.
“I think we’re building a great relationship. I really have a good time working with them and making music with them, teaching them and learning from them. It’s a nice symbiotic relationship,” he said. “I really enjoy it.”
Ramalho has made a few adjustments to the 75th anniversary season, which kicks off Saturday, Oct. 25, at Saint Paul’s Church.
Previous years have featured four main concerts. The schedule this year includes three large events with the choral society plus two smaller community engagement concerts and a collaborative with the Augusta Symphony. Some of the dates are still in the works, he said.
“Across the Fruited Plain: an American Portrait” highlights three pieces including Randall Thompson’s “Frostiana” which reflects on the poetry of Robert Frost; John Beck’s ‘America the Beautiful” and Florence Price’s “Song of Hope.”
“Song of Hope” was only discovered a few years ago, according to Ramalho, who believes it will be making its Georgia debut on Oct. 25.
The group will present its traditional holiday concert on Dec. 13 at Saint Paul’s Church featuring selections from Handel’s “The Messiah,” but that isn’t the next performance on the choral society calendar. The group will team up with the Augusta Symphony for a holiday-themed show Dec. 4 at the Miller Theater.
“That’s going to be fantastic. We’re going to sing a lot of music in that concert. It’s going to be a great partnership. I’m hoping It’s the first of many,” he said.
The season ends on March 21 with a Diamond Jubilee concert celebrating 75 years.
It will include Nathaniel Dett’s “The Chariot Jubilee” and Mozart’s “Coronation Mass.”
To learn more or buy tickets, go the choral society’s website.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. She’s won multiple Georgia Press Association awards, is the recipient of the 2018 Greater Augusta Arts Council’s media award and was named Augusta Magazine’s best local writer in 2024 and 2025. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
