Local Choir Striking a New Chord 

{From the 2023 Christmas Newsprint Magazine}

Written by Taylor Flynn  |  Image provided

Saratoga Voices has recently welcomed their new Artistic Director, Noah Palmer. Heavily involved in the Capital Region’s chorus, orchestra, and opera scenes, he is extremely excited to bring his passion and modern vibe to this grassroots, community-based choir. Palmer’s primary goal is to attract more young people to the audience and group itself with a repertoire that merges classical and contemporary pieces.

Palmer explains that he regards the younger generation’s compositions as both “gorgeous and accessible” for not only the audience but the choristers as well. With the content being less intellectually demanding than the traditional Bach, for example, it allows for greater diversity in terms of the skill level and age of those in the ensemble.

“There’s something really beautiful about having a mix of ages in the actual choral ensemble,” Palmer conveys; “young people bring a very fresh, clear, and vibrant sound” and an energy “that brings a certain kind of spark to things.” Given that voices change as individuals age, Palmer loves the balance of sound that comes from a choir with a vast age range. He is always looking for more tenors and basses and would love to see more representation from Saratoga, Albany, and Troy in the group.

This impressive choir, encouraging participants to “bring out [their] inner music with the joy and power of singing,” is open to everyone and interested singers are welcome to join at any time. There is the option to register for the complete season which includes three performances, or for just one concert at a time. The Saratoga Voices Vocal Scholarship Program is also available to local high school seniors, granting them both financial assistance and the opportunity to perform at a concert.

• The group’s next performance, A Choral Christmas, is sure to put even the biggest Grinch or Scrooge in the holiday spirit. It will take place on Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. inside St. Edward the Confessor Church, 569 Clifton Park Center Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Palmer describes it as a “festival of carols,” featuring classic Christmas tunes as well as modern numbers, sing-a-longs, a Hannukah song, and African and gospel Christmas music. “A very family-friendly program” and about an hour long, the concert will be fun and festive for all.

For more information and performance details, visit SaratogaVoices.org or call 518-416-4060.