Under the direction of Dr. George Case, the NCS, Newburyport Choral Society Spring Concert will feature James Whitbourn’s powerful oratorio Annelies, the only musical setting based on the story of Anne Frank during the Holocaust. Premiered to huge acclaim in 2005, Annelies has been praised for its “woundingly beautiful” music and an extraordinary libretto that captures Anne’s keen observations and indomitable spirit. Whitbourn wrote this about Annelies:

“It was to be a commemorative work, not only for Anne Frank, but for those by whose side she lived, those she watched with penetrating eyes, and those voiceless millions who shared her fate.”

Numbering more than 125 singers, the Newburyport Choral Society will perform this dramatic oratorio to commemorate Anne Frank’s spirit and her vision of hope as an inspiration to all of the world’s oppressed people. The piece includes a variety of musical styles of the time period, including classical, folk songs, and a cabaret influence. NCS will end the concert with Whitbourn’s healing All Shall Be Amen and Alleluia, transcending the horrors of history and underlining a belief in the power of the human spirit to triumph.

The Newburyport Choral Society will perform two concerts: Saturday, May 6th at 8 PM and Sunday, May 7th at 4 PM at the Belleville Congregational Church located at 300 High Street in Newburyport.  Purchase tickets now for this amazing performance.

“I can feel the sufferings of millions and yet, if I look  up into the

heavens, I think that it will all come right, that this cruelty too

will end, and  that peace  and tranquility will return again.”

The Newburyport Choral Society gratefully acknowledges funding support for this program from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.  This program is also supported in part by grants from the Local Cultural Councils of Ipswich, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury.