The Princeton Society of Musical Amateurs is launching its 90th year with a birthday celebration at its first session of the season on Sunday, October 20, at 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton at 50 Cherry Hill Road. All are welcome.
In the fall of 1935, the Chairman of Princeton University’s Music Department hosted an informal Sunday afternoon gathering of about 20 people with a simple goal in mind: “Let’s just sing.” Selections from choral literature were chosen. There was no rehearsal, and a single pianist accompanied the group.
Nine decades years later, the same spirit endures for the 266 members of the Princeton Society of Musical Amateurs (PSMA) community. Each month, from October through April, PSMA gathers at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation to raise their voices, simply for the joy of singing together. The gatherings are informal, with guest conductors from local choruses and orchestral accompaniment for most works. There are no auditions or rehearsals.
Marilee Thompson, PSMA board president and long-time member, enjoys the uniqueness of the all-volunteer organization. “We are one of the hidden gems of the Princeton area. We encourage anyone who has ever experienced the ‘high’ of singing the great choral masterworks to attend any of our seven Sunday afternoon sessions each year. You show up and sing. Sometimes we nail it, sometimes we don’t. But it’s always fun and uplifting.”
Favorite works from past seasons include Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, and requiem masses from Brahms, Mozart, and Fauré. The January session is a semi-staged Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, complete with costumed soloists from a local Gilbert and Sullivan society.
“Sometimes, we’re sight-reading,” says Karen Jenkins, a cellist with the orchestra and PSMA board member. “But it also feels like a jam session, because we’re all just playing and singing. It’s very low-stress and lots of fun. I love that! There’s nothing like being immersed in Handel’s Messiah with a full chorus and orchestra all around you. I feel very connected to the experience, and everyone is just there to play, sing, and have a good time. It’s magical.”
Walk-in singers and listen-only guests are welcome at all sessions. Orchestra members participate by invitation, based on the instrumental needs of the work. Light refreshments are available during a break and participants are encouraged to mingle and socialize.
The October 20 session features Fauré’s Requiem and Vivaldi’s Gloria, conducted by Nicole Aldrich. The remainder of the 2024-’25 calendar includes:
Sunday, November 17: Bach’s Mass in B Minor conducted by Tom Juneau.
Sunday, December 22: Handel’s Messiah conducted by Ruth Ochs.
Sunday, January 12: Gilbert & Sullivan’s Iolanthe conducted by Lee Milhous.
Sunday, February 2: Orff’s Carmina Burana conducted by Heather Mitchell.
Sunday, March 9: Verdi’s Requiem conducted by Alicia Brozovich.
Sunday, April 6: Mendelssohn’s Elijah conducted by Chris Loeffler.
For updates and further information, visit musicalamateurs.org or email musical.amateurs@gmail.com.
The Princeton Society of Musical Amateurs launches its 90th season with a celebration on Sunday, October 20.,
