![](https://pcmorristown.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/MSCH.jpg)
Music In the Somerset Hills and Rise Up Chorus Present: Annelies
The Somerset Hill Chorus & Rise Up Chorus present Annelies, based on The Diary of Anne Frank
Two New Jersey community choirs—the Somerset Hills Chorus and Rise Up Chorus—are combining their forces to present Annelies by contemporary British composer James Whitbourn. The choral work is based on The Diary of Anne Frank, and the libretto, by Melanie Challenger, is largely made up of extracts from the diary. Performances will take place on Saturday, June 10, 7:00 PM at the Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church in Plainfield and on Sunday, June 11, 5:00 PM at the Presbyterian Church in Morristown.
Annelies is written for a large chorus, a soprano soloist, and (in this version) a small instrumental ensemble consisting of piano, violin, cello, and clarinet. When it premiered in London in 2005, it was greeted with critical acclaim. “The sound of church bells, the drone of aircraft, and finally the stifling silence of the camps add discreet detail to a score whose respectful understatement is its greatest strength,” wrote The Times of London. “It’s almost impossible to hear without tears,” added The Guardian. The soprano soloist, who embodies Anne’s voice, is Sonya Headlam, an acclaimed Jamaican-American singer who is a frequent collaborator with contemporary composers. Pianist James Lubrano, clarinetist Benjamin Fingland, violinist Elizabeth Fayette, and cellist Gerall Hieser make up the chamber ensemble. Conducting duties will be shared between Maestri Stephen Sands and Matthew LaPine.
Tickets for students are free and general admission is $25. There is also a VIP ticket option which includes priority seating and a special experience tailored to the concert. For tickets and more information, visit linktr.ee/mish_ruc.