Paradise Found in Atlanta with Elysium
The Southeast’s First Combined Chamber Orchestra and Chorus Begins Performances this Spring
ATLANTA, May 2007 — Elysium Chamber Orchestra and Chorus, the first joint choral-orchestral group in the Southeast, recently announced its formation and debut performances. The Atlanta-based instrumental and choral performance group is comprised of approximately 36 vocalists and 20 instrumentalists.
Elysium was founded in 2005 by orchestra conductor P. David Hancock and choral conductor Dr. Alan Raines. The performance group’s name is derived from Greek mythology, where Elysium means “Paradise.” Hancock and Raines strongly believe in the connection between beautiful music and Paradise and view the organization’s mission of sharing chamber music with the community as an artistic, educational and spiritual calling.
Elysium’s debut performances are scheduled May 11-13 at Northside Baptist Church, 3100 Northside Drive N.W. Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 8 p.m. and the Sunday performance will begin at 3 p.m. The performance repertoire will include Mozart’s Requiem and Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings. Tickets can be purchased at the door by cash or check.
“I am excited about the opportunity to create high-quality music, especially chamber music,” said Raines. He says Elysium concerts will create more intimacy between the performer and the audience through the combined power of instrumental music and voice. “I am thrilled about our incredibly supportive board and the opportunity to play for the community,” he added.
The combined chamber orchestra and chorus will unite the world-class talents of Hancock and Raines, two conductors known for their ability to create spiritually uplifting music. Hancock has served as the artistic director of Chamber Music Atlanta since 1993 and assistant conductor of the Chamber Orchestra of Tennessee since 2003. He frequently performs in the Southeast as a soloist and chamber musician, and has been the principal cellist of the Nashville Chamber Orchestra since 1993. Raines is the newly appointed director of choral activities and associate professor of music at Stetson University. His choirs have performed throughout the United States and Europe.
Hancock is eager to collaborate with Raines on Elysium, a performance and recording group the conductors have dreamed of creating for several years. “I have never been transported like I have with choral and orchestral music,” said Hancock. He explains his vision for Elysium as “trying to create a framework or canvas for God to give us a gift each time, musically.”
For more information on how to donate or volunteer with Elysium, please or contact Debra Jansen at (678) 234-2779 or .
About Elysium Chamber Orchestra and Chorus
Founded in 2005 by conductors P. David Hancock and Dr. Alan Raines, Elysium is the first combined chamber orchestra and chorus in Atlanta and the Southeast. Elysium’s mission is to share the beauty of chamber music through performances, education, recordings and community involvement. Major concerts include fall and spring performances, as well as a holiday show that will become an Atlanta tradition. Workshops and symposiums are held in the summer for students and aspiring professionals.
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