The New Castle
Music Club Chorus

Mission Statement

The mission of the NEW CASTLE MUSIC CLUB Chorus is to prepare and perform George Frideric Handel's Messiah - the watershed oratorio that has excited and challenged humankind for generations -- and to offer to our listeners and performers the distinct opportunity to be a part of this truly monumental classic. We strive to continually develop the musical, artistic, educational, and spiritual aspects of this single work. We aim to include participants across age, racial, and physically challenged spectrums. (The chorus has included the blind and regularly offers an interpreter-in-sign language for the hearing impaired. All performance sites are accessible to the handicapped.) It is common to have both teenagers and octogenarians working on and performing the same voice part.


Did You Know?

In 1939, the NEW CASTLE MUSIC CLUB Chorus premiered its annual performance of Handel's Messiah at the First Presbyterian Church in New Castle, Pennsylvania. Originally comprised of members, associates, and friends of the New Castle Music Club, the chorus has recruited members from over forty area churches as well as students from several local high schools and colleges and citizens from across western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio. This production has historically featured talented, regional musicians and music educators-- including organists, pianists, vocal soloists, trumpeters, flautists, percussionists, and choir members.
The chorus has performed annually (excepting 1969 and 1970) under the leadership of three experienced conductors: Mrs. W. Walter (Ruth) Braham (1939-1968), Mrs. Kenneth (Betty) Gibson (1971-1990), and Harry M. Cunningham (1991-current). Performances have previously been hosted by nine New Castle area churches, the Scottish Rite Cathedral of New Castle, the Third Baptist Church of Youngstown, and Westminster College. The Saturday, November 28, 1998 performance marked the first collaboration between the New Castle Music Club Chorus and Penn State Shenango.

A Message from our Director,
Harry M. Cunningham

Dear Choristers, Readers, and Guests,

Our 69th Messiah anniversary season is now behind us, but its beauty and impact radiate warmly. The ST. VINCENT de PAUL PARISH - and particularly Father Steven Palsa, Director of Music, Vicki Onufrak, and Andrew Magusiak-were especially cordial and helpful, and we are most grateful. We are also indebted to our chorus photographer, Larry Daly (who, along with his lovely wife, Sheryle, and their good friend, Gail Penzenik, drive over 90 miles from Ohio to participate.) Larry's photos can be accessed from our web site home page. Our web minister, Richard Remaley, has edited and posted many fresh photos and continues to update and redesign our many web pages.
Plans for our 70th season's production at the FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH, downtown New Castle, (on Sunday, November 28th) will be displayed soon along with our "countdown" clock.
As we journey through this Advent season and draw nearer to the wee newborn Babe lying in his sweet bed of fresh hay, we are reminded of His indescribable love for us. We, along with the first herald angels, proclaim,

Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will toward men.

May your Christmas be bright, happy, and ever so meaningful, and may you enjoy a safe and healthy New Year. Thank you for your enduring love and support. May our love continue to radiate as warmly as our music.

Harry Cunningham, Director
MUSIC CLUB CHORUS of NEW CASTLE

December 14, 2009

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George Frideric Handel
1685 - 1759

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George Frideric Handel's The Messiah... For unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace... Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him... Since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive... Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God by His blood to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing... Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto Him for ever. Amen.