I’m delighted to invite you to our upcoming 2024-2025 Season, a spectacular journey through some of the most captivating choral music ever written. This season is packed with performances that promise to inspire, uplift, and celebrate the incredible power of music.
Our season opens in October as Master Chorale joins New World Symphony for Gustav Holst’s The Planets, an orchestral suite renowned for its vivid portrayal of the astrological characters of the planets in our solar system. This monumental work features a chorus of unseen treble voices in the final movement, Neptune, which creates an incomparable mystical and other-worldly effect.
In November, we are excited to present Mendelssohn’s Elijah, a dramatic and stirring oratorio that brings the story of the prophet Elijah to life. This work is a pinnacle of the choral-orchestral repertoire, known for its rich harmonies, dynamic contrasts, and profound emotional impact.
Our December program, Comfort & Joy, is a beloved tradition that brings joy and warmth to the season. Featuring a delightful mix of familiar carols, festive music,
and holiday standards, this concert is the perfect way to celebrate with family and friends.
In January, we’ll be back in Miami for a performance of Arnold Schoenberg’s A Survivor from Warsaw. This powerful and gripping composition vividly recounts the harrowing experiences of a Holocaust survivor, delivering a profound message of resilience and remembrance.
In March, we are thrilled to collaborate with the New World Symphony again for a performance of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem. This profound work combines the Latin Requiem Mass with the poignant poetry of Wilfred Owen, offering a moving meditation on the horrors of war and a heartfelt plea for peace. This collaboration promises to be a highlight of the South Florida concert season.
We conclude our season in May with a special Concert for a Cause, American Voices, showcasing a diverse kaleidoscope of American music. This program will celebrate the rich and varied tapestry of American culture, featuring a wide array of musical styles while also supporting Nat King Cole Generation Hope, an extraordinary organization that provides access to music education for children with the greatest need in South Florida.
In addition to these mainstage performances, we are pleased to continue offering our Free Family Concerts throughout the season. These concerts are a great way to introduce young audiences to the joys of classical music and ensure that everyone in our community can experience the magic of our performances.
We are immensely grateful for your unwavering support and look forward to sharing this remarkable season with you.
Warmest regards,
Brett Karlin Artistic Director & Conductor
NOVEMBER 2024
Brett Karlin, conductor
Experience the awe-inspiring oratorio Elijah by Felix Mendelssohn. Akin to an opera in its narrative power, Elijah features riveting choruses, soul-stirring arias, and intricate orchestration. From challenging kings to his ascent to heaven on a flaming chariot, Elijah’s story is filled with tenacity, courage, and drama. This performance showcases our chorus at their best, featuring thrilling and dramatic Bible scenes accompanied by beautiful music.
Friday, NOV 15, 8 PM at Bailey Hall, Davie, FL (Broward College)
Saturday, NOV 16, 8 PM at Wold Performing Arts Center, Boca Raton, FL (Lynn University)
Sunday, NOV 17, 4 PM at Wold Performing Arts Center, Boca Raton, FL (Lynn University)
DECEMBER 2024
Comfort & Joy
Brett Karlin, conductor
Celebrate the arrival of the holiday season as we come together to enjoy a vibrant mix of classic and contemporary holiday favorites. From timeless carols like “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night” to joyful songs that honor the eight nights of Hanukkah. Get ready to be captivated by the beautiful harmonies of our talented chorus as they share breathtaking arrangements that range from gentle to grand! With powerful musical works, touching solos, and joyful orchestral ensemble, this concert is all about bringing comfort and joy to your holiday celebrations!
Friday, DEC 13, 8 PM at First Presbyterian Church of Pompano Beach, FL
Saturday, DEC 14, 4 PM at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, Boca Raton, FL
Saturday, DEC 14, 8 PM at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, Boca Raton, FL
5 Master Chorale of South Florida
MAY 2025
American Voices
Brett Karlin, conductor
Experience the melting pot of American music in a concert featuring choral works by U.S. composers whose roots span the globe, showcasing the cultural diversity that defines the voices of America. Featuring local artists and guest performers, this concert features classical American masterpieces by Florence Price, Irving Berlin and Leonard Bernstein, to contemporary compositions by Andre Thomas, Reena Esmail, and Marques Garrett. This concert will benefit Nat King Cole Generation Hope, providing music education and mentorship to underserved youth.
Friday, May 9, 8 PM at First Presbyterian Church of Pompano Beach, FL
Saturday, May 10, 4 PM at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, Boca Raton, FL
FAMILY & YOUTH EVENTS
OCTOBER
2024
Percussion Playground
A hands-on, rhythmic adventure celebrating the diverse world of percussion. Our expert musicians will demonstrate an array of captivating sounds, from deep booms to tinkling chimes, showcasing the rich tapestry of percussive music. This event goes beyond simply playing instruments—it’s an immersive experience of rhythm through music, movement, and language. After the performance, participants can touch, play, and feel the instruments under expert guidance. This Free Family Concert, made possible by our community partners, requires registration.
Saturday, OCT 5, 11 AM at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale, FL
7 Master Chorale of South Florida
FAMILY & YOUTH EVENTS
Bach to the Future
“Bach to the Future,” presented by the Master Chorale of South Florida, is an exciting musical storytime for kids and families to bond over music, and for young minds to explore the rich world of classical compositions in a fun, accessible way. This interactive event brings timeless music to life through engaging performances, lively storytelling, and audience participation. Children will explore the fascinating world of composers and music, beginning with the works of Bach and continuing through contemporary compositions. They will hear live samples, get up close with various instruments, and enjoy a fun introduction to choral singing. Additionally, they will learn how different choral voice types work together to create harmony. This Free Family Concert, made possible by our community partners, requires registration.
Saturday, MAR 29, 11 AM at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale, FL
Embark on a cosmic musical journey at “The Planets + Rachmaninoff,” where the voices of the Master Chorale of South Florida intertwine with the symphonic mastery of the New World Symphony. Holst’s suite, composed between 1914 and 1917, vividly portrays each planet of the Solar System with its unique astrological character. The final movement, “Neptune, the Mystic,” features the Master Chorale’s treble voices as a wordless chorus, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that evokes the vast, unknowable reaches of space.
Saturday, OCT 26, 8 PM at the Knight Concert Hall, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami, FL
Experience the golden age of cinema through lush film scores by Korngold and Waxman. Then, witness a powerful collaboration as voices of the Master Chorale of South Florida and New World Symphony unite for Schoenberg’s moving A Survivor from Warsaw. This poignant piece, narrated in Schoenberg’s unique Sprechgesang style, pays tribute to Holocaust victims through the harrowing story of a Warsaw Ghetto survivor. Don’t miss this extraordinary concert spanning Hollywood’s glitz to history’s most profound moments – a testament to music’s power to move and inspire.
Saturday, JAN 18, 7:30 PM at the New World Center, Miami, FL
Sunday, JAN 19, 2 PM at the New World Center, Miami, FL
In a powerful collaboration, the Master Chorale of South Florida and the renowned New World Symphony join forces to commemorate the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end. This landmark concert brings together two of South Florida’s premier musical institutions for an evening of profound artistry and remembrance. Together, they’ll present Benjamin Britten’s monumental work, originally composed to mark the rebuilding of Coventry Cathedral after World War II. This remarkable piece blends the traditional Latin Requiem Mass with Wilfred Owen’s poignant war poems, offering a deep reflection on the human toll of conflict.
Saturday, MAR 15, 8 PM at the Knight Concert Hall, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami, FL
All venues are accessible with handicap seating available.
Master Chorale of South Florida
Tickets & Information
Tickets for Master Chorale of South Florida concerts and performances are accessible through our website
Day-of-concert tickets are available at Will Call starting one hour before the concert start time, while availability lasts. www.MasterChoraleOfSouthFlorida.org
Free Family Concerts
Master Chorale’s “Free Family Concerts” are entirely free, but online registration is required to attend these events.
Student Tickets
Students can receive one complimentary ticket at Will Call one hour before Master Chorale concerts, with a valid student ID.
Plan Your Visit Auditions
Our venues provide free parking at handicap-accessible locations, ensuring smooth entry and seat selection. Our 90-minute programs offer an immersive experience with uninterrupted performances.
To request an audition, complete the online audition registration form on our website.
To purchase Master Chorale tickets, please scan the QR code on this page, visit www.masterchoraleofsouthflorida.org, or call 954-641-2653.
Ways to Give
Show your support for the Master Chorale by giving generously:
• Online at masterchoraleofsouthflorida.org/donate or by using this QR code
• By check sent to: MCSF, 5378 N. Federal Highway, #351 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308
Or, by joining one of the following:
The MCSF Bravo Circle
The MCSF Bravo Circle is a giving society of individuals passionate about the universal power of music and how the Master Chorale contributes to the cultural fabric of our community. Levels begin at $500, and benefits include name visibility, premium concert tickets, exclusive invitations and more. Join us today!
The Ensemble Society
Consider joining The Ensemble Society by making a monthly recurring gift of $20 or more to join the ranks of this special network committed to quality arts programming. It’s quick. It’s easy. It’s affordable. It’s important.
The Crescendo Honor Society
Are you looking for a creative way to support the Master Chorale? Please consider including MCSF in your estate plan and become a member of the prestigious Crescendo Honor Society, which recognizes our planned giving donors. Your help will ensure the legacy of our chorus for years to come.
Chorale of South Florida
Support for the Master Chorale of South Florida is provided by the Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Council, and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners; Citizens Interested in Arts; the following Funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Helen and Frank Stoykov Charitable Endowment Fund, Jan Moran Unrestricted Fund, Marlene Holder Fund for Broward, and The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund; Funding Arts Broward (FAB!); the State of Florida through the Division of Arts & Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts; The Our Fund Foundation, an LGBTQ community foundation; and the Warten Foundation Inc.
MASTER CHORALE OF SOUTH FLORIDA
6278 N Federal Hwy #351 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
The Master Chorale of South Florida is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.