New Choral Society Carmina Burana: The New Choral Society presents Carl Orff’s 1935 scenic cantata Carmina Burana – one of the most iconic choral works of the twentieth century. After it’s publication Orff proclaimed that this work eclipses all of his previous works, saying “the collected works of Carl Off starts here.” The work is based on 24 Medieval poems and is influenced melodically by late Renaissance and early Baroque music. It has appeared in hundreds of films and television commercials and was staged by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra with a spectacular light show.

About the New Choral Society

The New Choral Society is a 42 voice chorus led by conductor and Artistic Director and chorus Founder. Dr. John T. King. They perform four concerts each year at the Hitchcock Presbyterian Church in Scarsdale. Their season always opens with its annual performance of The Messiah. In January the society chamber orchestra flies solo with an Evening of Chamber Music. This year they will also perform Mozart’s Grand Mass in c minor in March; and Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana in April.

About Artistic Director John T. King

Dr. King founded The New Choral Society in 1994. He has performed and guest conducted for several American Guild of Organists workshops and choral festivals. He has been responsible for two choral commissions from Stephen Paulus, Mass for Chorus and Orchestra and You Shall Love for chorus and organ, having conducted their world premieres.

Dr. King has worked with renowned conductors Dennis Keene, Gregg Smith, Joseph Flummerfelt and Vance George, and conducted the Gregg Smith Singers and the Adirondack Chamber Orchestra. His CD recordings include Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem, Bach’s Cantata No. 147 Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, Haydn’s Utrecht Te Deum, Gounod’s St. Cecilia Mass, Brahms’ Requiem, Rossini’s Stabat Mater and the world premiere recording of Paulus’ Mass for Chorus and Orchestra. Equally accomplished as an organist, Dr. King has given concerts throughout the United States and Europe. His performances have been heard in St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, St. John the Divine, New York City, and St. James’ Cathedral, Chicago.

Dr. King currently serves as full-time Minster of Music at Hitchcock Presbyterian Church, Scarsdale, where he administers and conducts the multiple choir program. He holds a bachelor of music degree from University of Louisville, a master of music degree from Yale University and doctor of musical arts from Manhattan School of Music, all in organ. He has been the recipient of a number of prizes in organ performance, and has served as an adjunct lecturer at Concordia College, Bronxville, New York. He is a lecturer with the Scarsdale Adult School where he teaches classes on a variety of music subjects. Dr. King is active in many service organizations as a member of Chorus America, American Choral Directors Association, Choristers Guild, and American Guild of Organists. He served as a former Dean of the Westchester Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, and served as a member of the Music Committee of Yale Westchester Alumni Association.