New A Capella Group Forms

Members are sought for Zephyr Vocal Ensemble, a new 16-voice, semi-professional vocal group forming in the northern New Jersey/ Orange/Rockland County, NY area.

The group will perform a varied and eclectic repertoire spanning from early chant and classical music including Dufay, Palestrina, Mozart, Mahler, Whitacre, and Lauridsen, to jazz, rock, pop, doo-wop, world music, and show tunes. Most of the works will be sung a capella.

The ensemble will perform in concert without a conductor to foster intimacy between the artists and audience. All music will be memorized. Singers who are comfortable performing (some light dance/gesturing, as suitable to the music will be included) are sought. Weekly rehearsals lasting two and a half to three hours (with a break) will be held in Vernon, NJ. The group's first concerts will be performed in November/December 2010 with the first concert Nov. 20 at St. Francis de Sales Church in Vernon.

Plans are for Zephyr to bring music to a broad spectrum of people. Anyone interested in joining the group may email Artistic Director Cherwyn Ambuter at zephyrve@warwick.net (preferred) or call 973-862-0668. Further information on the auditions, as well as an application, will be emailed. First audition date is Feb. 20. Judges are professional choral directors from the area and from Albany, NY.