New Music Commissioned by Reading Choral Society 

Reading Choral Society proudly commissions and premieres new choral music from some of America’s leading composers.  This commitment allows RCS to share with our audiences some of the finest and freshest works for choruses. 

RCS has also sponsored two Young Composer’s Contests for college students in our region majoring in composition.  For these contests a panel of leading choral directors and composers judged the entries and the Society offered a cash prize to the winner.  In 2002, “Gloria” by Christian Massa won the contest and RCS gave its world premiere in December 2003.  The second contest winner is “Spirit that Form’ this Scene” by Daniel Shapiro.  RCS is very pleased to support these talented young composers!

Here are some of our recently commissioned works:

I Hear America Singing by Robert Maggio 

Commissioned for the Society’s 130^th Anniversary Season in 2004-2005, RCS performed the world premiere on November 6, 2004 at Albright College Chapel.  Robert Maggio, Professor at West Chester University’s School of Music, attended the premiere and shared his thoughts on the composition with the audience and performers. This work is based on Walt Whitman’s poem, “I Hear America Singing.”  This commission was underwritten by Sovereign Bank.

American Triptych by David Conte

RCS commissioned this 20-minute piece by nationally-known composer David Conte for its 125^th Anniversary Season.  David Conte attended the world premiere by the Society in November 1999 at the church of Sts. Constantine and Helen, Reading, PA.  This work is written for chorus and instrumental accompaniment and was inspired by Walt Whitman’s poetry. 

Winter’s Passing by David Himes

RCS Assistant Director David Himes wrote this collection of three short pieces.  David Himes, a Berks County music educator and composer, chose words from Japanese poems about winter as his lyrics.  Reading Choral Society commissioned this music for its 125^th Anniversary Season and performed the world premiere in December 1999 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, Reading.

Venite Adoramus, Dominum by Jayson Rotnak

Reading Choral Society and the Berks Classical Children’s Chorus premiered this new work in December 1997 and performed it again in December 2000.

Personet Hodie/Bell Carol arranged by Robert Page

Robert Page arranged this joyous Christmas music for Reading Choral Society and the Berks Classical Children’s Chorus.  The Society and the Children’s Chorus premiered the work in December 1998 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, Reading, PA.  This commission was underwritten by Dail and David Richie.