The Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County (FAC) is proud to present the Columbia Choral Society’s Jasmine & Jazz -- An Afternoon with Dick Goodwin at 3 p.m. Sunday in the Wood Auditorium. This production is part of a celebration of the 85th anniversary of the Columbia Choral Society (CCS.) Tickets are $15 for general admission and are on sale now through the FAC Box Office and website www.fineartscenter.org.
In 1930, a community chorus contest was held in Columbia as part of the annual Community Chest Drive. The winning chorus organized as the Shandon Choral Society. The name was later changed to the Columbia Choral Society. The purpose of the organization then, as now, was to stimulate and broaden interest in musical activities and to actively engage in the rehearsal and performance of choral music. The first director was Leonard C. Moltz, followed by Dr. Guthrie Darr who served as director for 40 years and in 1990, at his retirement, he was named Director Emeritus. Other former directors include Dr. Larry D. Wyatt, Dr. Timothy Koch, Dr. William Carswell , Christopher Jacobson, and Dr. David Lowry. Dr. Beth Mears will serve as the new Music Director beginning with the 2016-2017 season.
Over the years, the Columbia Choral Society has performed a wide variety of works with many organizations, including the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra, the Charleston Long Bay Symphony, the University of South Carolina Symphony Orchestras, the Carolina Master Chorale, the Charleston Symphony Chorus, the Bulgarian National Chorus, the West Yorkshire (England) Chorus, the Sandlapper Singers, the Palmetto Mastersingers, the University of South Carolina Concert Choir and University Chorus, Piccolo Spoleto in Charleston, and the Benedict Concert Choir. Dr. Lillian Quackenbush is serving as the Guest Conductor for the Columbia Choral Society’s current season.
One exciting element of the production is the collaboration of the music, written by Dick Goodwin, paired with lyrics written by Camden Poet, Paddy Bell. Bell’s first writing endeavor, DOGS: The Musical, premiered at the FAC and was then produced in several venues, culminating in a run at Piccolo Spoleto Arts Festival .
For for more information call 425-7676 or visit www.fineartscenter.org
