Mummert holds a BA in Music from Yale University, where he served as the musical director of the Whiffenpoofs, America’s oldest collegiate a cappella group, for their Centennial year, and a Master of Music in Voice at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. I FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / PRURGENT
Ars Musica Chorale embarks on its 55th season on September 3, 2019, under the leadership of newly appointed Music Director, Brian Mummert, at The Unitarian Society of Ridgewood, 7:30 pm. For those interested in joining Ars Musica Chorale, auditions will be held during the month of September, and again, later in the season.
Mummert holds a BA in Music from Yale University, where he served as the musical director of the Whiffenpoofs, America’s oldest collegiate a cappella group, for their Centennial year, and a Master of Music in Voice at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. In 2017 he completed a second Master of Music degree with Distinction in Choral Studies at the University of Cambridge, Trinity College, where he studied with several major British conductors. He is the founder and musical director of The New Consort, a professional solo-voice ensemble dedicated to the juxtaposition of music from diverse composers and repertoires.
Looking forward to leading Ars Musica Chorale, Mummert has said, "I'm delighted to step into this role for such an exciting season with Ars Musica, and thrilled to open the year with one of my favorite operas, Dido and Aeneas. It has long been my conviction that art has a responsibility to engage in dialogue with the world around it; I hope you'll join us as we endeavor to share the beauty and importance of this music with all of you."
The 2019/20 season will begin on October 26th with a performance of arguably the first example of opera in English. Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, recounts the famous tale of Dido, the Queen of Carthage falling for the Trojan hero, Aeneas. It will be paired with one of George Frideric Handel’s Coronation Anthems and accompanied by a Baroque instrumental ensemble using historical instruments that Purcell and Handel would have recognized. In December, AMC will present its signature holiday concert, which will bring together the spectacular forces of voices, brass, organ, percussion, and the angelic voices of the New Jersey State Children’s Chorus in an evening of seasonal music and cheer.
The Jewish tradition of music is one of the richest of our era. The chorus’ March concert, Hariu l’Adonai, will include music by Mendelssohn as well as Jewish composers such as Aaron Copland, Salamone Rossi, Max Janowski, and traditional chants. The final concert of the season, in May 2020 will feature two titans of the Romantic era who celebrate anniversaries during the course of the season: the 150th anniversary of Hector Berlioz’ death in 2019 and the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth in 2020. The feature of the program, accompanied by the award-winning Adelphi Orchestra, will be Berlioz’ spectacular showpiece, the Messe Solennelle.
For more information, visit www.arsmusica.org or call the Ars Musica Chorale at (551) 226-9305. Discounted season ticket series are available.
Established in 1965, Ars Musica Chorale is one of the oldest and finest choral groups in Bergen County, well-known for presenting outstanding and unique programs. Under the direction of Music Director Brian Mummert, Ars Musica Chorale performs four major concerts annually in Bergen County.
Programs are made possible in part by a grant administered by the Bergen County Departments of Parks, Division of Historic and Cultural Affairs from funds granted by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Ars Musica Chorale, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. | 
