Marina Alexander, conductor & composer
  • Home
    • Notable Activities
  • Compositions
    • Sacred Choral Works
    • Secular Choral Works
    • Choral Editions
    • Editions
  • Ensembles
    • Resources
    • Arcadian Notes - Spring 2023
    • AC Recordings
    • RCS Notes - Spring '23
    • Vocal Warm-Ups
    • Arcadian BEER CHOIR
  • Conducting
    • Media
  • Upcoming events
  • Past programs
  • Activities
  • Repertory
  • Contact
    • AC Poll-Jan 2018

The Arcadian Chorale: 
​"Let There Be Light!"  --- Fall 2022 Program
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture
Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022
​at 4:00 PM
  • St. Rose of Lima RC Church
  • 16 McLean Street
  • Freehold, NJ

  • A wonderful celebration of
    ​light and life in music!
Works by Haydn, Mendelssohn, and
Bach, plus contemporary music by 
Joan Szymko, Elizabeth Alexander,
and others.




Richmond Choral Society: "Sing Gloria!"
​Fall 2022 program

Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture
  • Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022 at 8:00 PM
  • St. Clare's RC Church
  • 110 Nelson Avenue
  • Staten Island, NY

Richmond Choral Society's (NYC) Fall 2022 program presented the NY Premiere of Damijan Mocnik's Missa Sacnti Francisci Assisiensis for chorus, strings and percussion. 
​
Holiday selections included works by Handel, Gwenyth Walker, Stephen Paulus, and other contemporary composers,
​plus a community carol sing.





The Arcadian Chorale: 
​"Musical Passport!"  --- Spring 2022 Program
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture
Saturday, June 11 at 8:00 PM
  • Temple Shaari Emeth
  • 400 Craig Road
  • Manalapan, NJ

  • A program of music from a wonderful variety of cultures and languages!
Selections from Australia, Ireland, Korea, Israel, Kenya, Japan, Spain, Greece, Wales, China, India,​and the Ukraine.
 


Richmond Choral Society: "All You Need Is Love!"
Spring 2022 program

Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture


  • Sunday, May 22, 2022 at 8:00 PM
  • St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
  • 40 Old Mill Road
  • Staten Island, NY

Richmond Choral Society's (NYC) Spring 2022 program explored all aspects of love--its pleasures, its challenges, its joys! Works by Amy Beach, David Childs, Jocelyn Hagen, and other fine contemporary composers, plus pop arrangements of songs by The Association and the Beatles!




Picture
​
​
Sat., April 30, 2022
​
Marina moderated Richmond Choral Society's
Spring Workshop 

"Vocal Tips and Tricks for Singers"
featuring baritone ​Tim Krol, former member of the Grammy-award winning ensemble Chanticleer,
and established voice teacher
.

Marina led the morning session,
"Music & Meaning: Becoming the Words."


Knights of Columbus Hall,
397 Clarke Avenue,

Staten Island, NY.




The Arcadian Chorale & Richmond Choral Society 
​"Glorious Dawn!" - Fall 2021 Program
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture
Three performances:
Sat, Dec. 11, 2021 at 8:00 PM
Church of St. Clare
  • 110 Nelson Avenue
  • Staten Island, NY

  • Friday, Dec. 17, 2021 at 7:30 PM
  • St. Rose of Lima RC Church
  • ​16 McLean Street
  • Freehold, NJ
 
  • Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021 at 4:00 PM
  • St. Paul's United Methodist Church
  • ​80 Embury Avenue
  • Ocean Grove, NJ

  • ​ This program celebrating joy and light featured the Vivaldi Gloria, plus the NY/NJ premiers of Dan Forrest's Light Beyond Shadow, and music by Karl Jenkins.


World Premiere of The Arcadian Chorale Beer Choir!!

Picture


​Fri., Nov. 12, 2021
7:30 - 9:00 PM



Arcadian Chorale sings in the community!

This was a fun evening, featuring familiar songs.....
and BEER!


The Arcadian Chorale: 
​"The Great American Choral Songbook!"
Spring 2021 Program

Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture

Saturday, June 19 at 7:30 PM
  • St. Rose of Lima School - Gymnasium
  • South Street at Lincoln Place
  • Freehold, NJ

  • This program featured music by landmark American composers--including William Billings, Randall Thompson, Samuel Barber, and Charles Ives--plus works by contemporary U.S. composers, and favorites from Broadway and beyond!​
It was performed LIVE with a LIVE audience, and met with a STANDING OVATION!

 


The Arcadian Chorale: ​"Songs of Comfort & Joy"
2020 Holiday Program

Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture
On Sun., Dec. 20, 2020 Marina led the Arcadian Chorale in a FREE LIVE concert of holiday music, which was live streamed on YouTube.

The concert was sung live from St. Rose of Lima RC Church in Freehold, NJ.

A link to the recording of the performance is posted on the Chorale's website,
www.arcadianchorale.org/

The Arcadian Chorale: 
​"Cheer, Cheer, Cheerio - A British Christmas!"
2019 Holiday Program

Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture
Two performances:
Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019 at 4:00 PM
  • Holy Spirit RC Church
  • 705 Second Avenue
  • Asbury Park, NJ

  • Friday, Dec. 20, 2019 at 7:30 PM

  • St. Rose of Lima RC Church
  • ​16 McLean Street
  • Freehold, NJ

  • Works by English composers!
Featuring G. F. Handel's magnificent Dettingen Te Deum,
plus anthems by contemporary British composers and
holiday favorites.


Richmond Choral Society: "Eternal Light!"
​Fall 2019 program

Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture
  • Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019 at 8:00 PM
  • St. Clare's RC Church
  • 110 Nelson Avenue
  • Staten Island, NY


Richmond Choral Society (NYC) sang Thomas Gabriel's jubilant Lightmesse (Light Mass), plus the U.S. premieres of two outstanding contemporary works:
​Venit lumen by Slovenian composer Damijan Mocnik, and The Canticle of the Sun by Norwegian composer Kristian Hernes. The group will performed Marina Alexander's poignant Sun of Righteousness, based on the Byzantine Hymn of the Nativity.





The Arcadian Chorale: "Love, Love, Love!"
2019 Spring Program

Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture

​Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 7:30 PM
  • Henderson Theater
  • Christian Brothers Academy
  • 850 Newman Springs Road
  • Lincroft, NJ 07738

  • Music to make your heart sing!
The program featured Victorian love songs, works by Johannes Brahms and Amy Beach, luscious new music by contemporary composers, plus pop songs from Carole King and the Beatles!

For info and tickets, please visit www.arcadianchorale.org/home-1.html



Richmond Choral Society: "Mozart and the Moderns!"
Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture
  • Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 8:00 PM
  • St. Clare's RC Church
  • 110 Nelson Avenue
  • Staten Island, NY


Richmond Choral Society's (NYC) Spring 2019 program featured Mozart's beautiful Litany, 
K. 243, and then works by contemporary composers James MacMillan and Karl Jenkins, plus a special performance of the rarely heard Te Deum by Vincent Persichetti.


With chamber orchestra, including a special appearance by Simply Strings.




Special Workshop - "Move to the Music!"

Picture
  • Saturday, April 6, 2019, 10 AM to 3 PM
  • Christ Church
  • 76 Franklin Avenue
  • Staten Island, NY


Marina moderated a special workshop exploring musical rhythm through movement,  led by Dr. William Bauer, Executive Director of the Dalcroze Society of America.

The event was hosted by Richmond Choral Society,
Staten Island.


The Arcadian Chorale: "Sound the Trumpet!"
2018 Holiday Program

Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture
TWO PERFOMANCES:

Friday, Dec. 14, 2018 
at 7:30 PM
  • St. Rose of Lima RC Church
  • 16 McLean St., Freehold, NJ 07728

​Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018 at 4:00 PM
  • Holy Spirit RC Church
  • 705 2nd Ave., Asbury Park, NJ

  • Arcadian Chorale celebrated  the holidays with a program of choral works with brass!



Richmond Choral Society: "Winter Wonders"
Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture
  • Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018 at 8:00 PM
  • St. Clare's RC Church
  • 110 Nelson Avenue
  • Staten Island, NY


Richmond Choral Society (NYC) explored the magic of the winter season with works by Ola Gjeilo, Dan Forrest, Michael Gandolfi, and Mark Hayes. With a special appearance by Simply Strings Chamber Ensemble, performing Vivaldi's "Winter" concerto from The Four Seasons.

For more info, please visit ​richmondchoral.com/


Special Event: "Carmina Burana"
Marina Alexander, Guest Conductor

Picture
  • Sunday, Nov 11, 2018
  • at 4:00 PM
  • Unitarian Universalist Church
  • 50 Cherry Hill Road (at Rt. 206)
  • Princeton, NJ 08558

Marina conducted a special choral reading of Carl Orff's 20th c. masterwork, Carmina Burana. With full orchestra.
​


Arcadian Chorale - 25th Anniversary concert 
"This Shining Night!"

Picture
​

On Friday, June 2, 2018, The Arcadian Chorale, founded by Marina, celebrated its 25th Anniversary---wow!

The program included lyrical works by Morten Lauridsen, Kim Andre Arnesen, and Ola Gjeilo; playful pieces like Richard Hundley's Moonlight Watermelon; a "Greek suite" featuring the Syrtaki from "Zorba the Greek"; and choral versions of Ravels' Bolero and Rossini's William Tell Overture! 

The many individuals who have dedicated themselves to the benefit of the Chorale over those 25 years were honored at the gala reception which followed.


Special Event - "Vocal Colors" - Carnegie Hall

Picture
On Fri., May 25, Ms. Alexander and her ensembles were featured at Carnegie Hall, performing in "Vocal Colors," a special program produced by Distinguished Concerts International NY (DCINY).

The Arcadian Chorale (NJ) and Richmond Choral Society (NYC), combined forces to sing two wonderful pieces, both by Scandinavian composers. They opened with Kim Andre Arnesen's delightful Norwegian Alleluia, presenting the World Premiere of its new orchestration for strings. Then they presented Otto Olsson's Te Deum, an overlooked Romantic period masterpiece.

The performance was met with a standing ovation!



Richmond Choral Society: "Northern Lights"
Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture
  • Sunday, May 20, 2018
  • at 4:00 PM
  • St. Peter's RC Church
  • 53 St. Mark's Place
  • Staten Island, NY

Works by Scandinavian composers!
This concert featured Ola Gjeilo's beautiful Sunrise Mass, 
Kim Andre Arnesen's Norwegian Alleluia (with the World Premiere of its new orchestration for string orchestra), ​plus
​Otto Olsson's glorious 
Te Deum. 


Special event: "Alexander Technique for Singers" workshop

Picture
On Sun., Apr. 29, Marina moderated a special workshop hosted by the NJ Choral Consortium, which she currently serves as President.

​Reprised by popular demand, "Alexander Technique for Singers" was led by singer and master teacher Valerie Van Hoven. 

This year's event was a resounding success!


Special event: "Voice Journey" workshop

Picture
On Sat.,, Apr. 21, 2018, Marina acted as Moderator for a very special workshop sponsored by Richmond Choral Society. "Voice Journey" explored the mind-body connection in singing. It was held fat Christ Church, 76 Franklin Ave., Staten Island.

The clinician was Stephanie Rooker, founder of the Voice Journey Sound Center in NYC.

The workshop was offered thanks to a special initiative and funding from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the NY City Council.


The Arcadian Chorale: "Joyous Arise!"
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture
  • Two Performances:
  • Friday, Dec. 15, 2017
  • at 7:30 PM
  • St. Rose of Lima RC Church
  • 16 McLean Street
  • Freehold, NJ

  • Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017
  • at 4:00 PM
  • Holy Spirit RC Church
  • 705 2nd Avenue
  • Asbury Park, NJ

Arcadian Chorale began the celebration of its 25th Anniversary with two exciting holiday concerts, featuring Rutter's beautiful Mass of the Children. The ensemble was joined by the Concordia Youth Chorale, Matawan Regional HS Chorus, and Christian Brothers Academy Men's Chorus.


Richmond Choral Society: "Holiday with Brass!"
Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture
  • Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017 at 8:00 PM
  • St. Clare's RC Church
  • 110 Nelson Avenue
  • Staten Island, NY

Choral music with brass! The main works included Pinkham's much loved Christmas Cantata, plus Hovhaness' seldom heard and mystical  holiday work, Glory to God, Op. 124.


The Arcadian Chorale: 
​"A Musical Tribute to Great Martyr Demetrios"
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture
  • Friday, Oct. 27, 2017
  • at 8:00 PM
  • St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
  • 41-47 Wisteria Place
  • Perth Amboy, NJ

A gala concert that celebrated the 100th Anniversary of St. Demetrios Church, featuring excerpts from Nikos Astinidis' oraqtorio St. Demetrius, ​plus the World Premieres of two new compositions by Marina Alexander.
The event was live streamed on Facebook Live, and was viewed by over 2,000 people from as far away as Albania and Australia.


The Arcadian Chorale: "The Wandering Heart"
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture
Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 4:00 PM
Henderson Theater
Christian Brothers Academy,Lincroft, NJ

​
Gypsy songs by Brahms and Schumann, plus love songs from Bulgaria, Serbia, Slovenia, and Poland.

Richmond Choral Society: "Bach to Broadway!"
Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture
  • Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 8:00 PM
  • Zion Lutheran Church Church
  • 110 Nelson Ave., Staten Island, NY

Choral settings of popular songs by ABBA, the Beatles, John Denver, plus Swingle Singers settings of Bach, and Broadway hits by Bernstein, Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hammerstein, and Gershwin.


The Arcadian Chorale: "The Gate of Heaven"
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture
  • Two perfomances:
  • Friday, Dec. 16, 2016 at 7:30 PM
  • St. Rose of Lima RC Church
  • 16 McLean St., Freehold, NJ 07728
​
  • Sunday, December 18, 2016at 4:00 PM
  • Holy Spirit RC Church
  • 705 2nd Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ

Sacred music by American composers, including Randall Thompson, Alan Hovhaness, and David Reznick, plus holiday selections, and a community carol sing..


Richmond Choral Society: "Realms of Glory!"
Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture
  • Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016 at 8:00 PM
  • St. Clare's Church
  • 110 Nelson Ave., Staten Island, NY

"Realms of Glory!" featured one of Joseph Haydn's final masterworks, his Theresienmesse of 1799 and the US premiere of Christus Natus Est, a cantata of medieval carols by British composer Cecilia McDowall. The ensemble will also ssng Gwyneth Walker's Star of Night (based on "we Three King,") and the world premiere of a special orchestration by Gary Fry of his beautiful arrangement of O Holy Night.  


Metropolitan Greek Chorale : "Blessed are They Who Sing!"
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture

  • Sat., June 4, 2016 at 8:00 PM
  • Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
  • 91st St. at West End Ave., New York, NY
A program exploring settings of the Beatitudes in music, including works by Lizst, Billings, Mendelssohn, Mocnik, and Byzantine chant. Plus, the World Premiere of Ms. Alexander's newest composition, Out of the Depths.

www.metgreekchorale.org


Richmond Choral Society: "Mainly Mozart!"
Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture

  • Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 8:00 PM
  • St. Clare's Church
  • 110 Nelson Ave., Staten Island, NY

Richmond Choral Society celebrated its 65th Anniversary with a program revisitng past favorites, including Mozart's Solemn Vespers, K. 339, and Faure's beautiful Cantique de Jean Racine and Verdi's jubilant Hymn of the Nations. A nod to the future was given via contemporary works by NY composer Chris DeBlasio, and Ola Gjeilo.


www.richmondchoral.com


The Arcadian Chorale: "L'Chaim, to Life!"
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture
Three Performances:
  • Sun.,Apr. 10 at 4 PM
    Cong. B'nai Israel
    171 Ridge Road
    Rumson, NJ 07760
  • Sat., Apr. 16 at 8 PM
    Temple Shalom
    5 Ayrmont Lane
    Aberdeen, NJ 07747
  • Sat., May 14 at 8 PM Temple Shaari Emeth
    400 Craig Road
    ​Manalapan, NJ 07726
    ​​

A celebration of Jewish music and culture, via inspiring sacred works, folk music, and Broadway hits!
​Recording (CDs, DVDs, and Blu-Ray discs) available at Arcadian Chorale web site.


The Arcadian Chorale: "The Spirit of Christmas!"
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture
  • Sunday, December 20, 2015
    ​at 4:00 PM
  • Holy Spirit RC Church
  • 705 2nd Avenue,
    Asbury Park, NJ

In what is now a holiday tradition, The Arcadian Chorale sang a special holiday concert, featuring Ariel Ramirez's Navidad Nuestra, plus concert selections, holiday favorites, and a community× carol sing.  

As part of the Chorale's ongoing educational outreach, the concert once again featured the 
Matawan-Aberdeen Regional High School Chorus, with its director Andre Baldassaerini.


The Arcadian Chorale: "A Freehold Fa-la-la!"
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture
  • Friday, Dec. 11, 2015 at 7:30 PM
  • St. Rose of Lima RC Church
  • 16 McLean St., Freehold, NJ 07728

Arcadian Chorale celebrated the holidays with Ariel Ramirez's Navidad Nuestra, a folk drama of the Nativity based on music of South America. The group also sang holiday selections ranging from the Renaissance to the modern day, and inivted the audience to sing along with seasonal carols.


Metropolitan Greek Chorale: "There Were Angels"
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director​

Picture
  • Sun., Dec.6, 2015 at 8:00 PM
  • Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
  • 91st St. at West End Ave.,
    New York, NY
Celebrating the holidays through music inspired by angels! Works by handel, Arvo Part, Ivan Moody, plus the NY premiere of Alan Hovhaness' cantata Glory to God, and the World Premiere of Marina Alexander's Gabriel from Heaven Came.


Richmond Choral Society: "Heaven & Nature Sing!"
Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture

  • Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 8 PM
  • St Clare's's RC Church
  • 110 Nelson Ave., Staten Island, NY ​
Vivaldi's Magnificat, RV 610, plus two settings of the Te Deum:  
a contemporary version by Welsh composer Karl Jenkins, and Mendelssohn's Te Deum a 4 in A Major,
 accompanied by chamber orchestra. Plus holiday music, including the US premiere of Norwegian composer Kristian Hernes' Puer natus in Bethlehem


Metropolitan Greek Chorale: 
"Odyssey: A 50-year Journey of Extraordinary Music"
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director​

Picture
  • Saturday, June 6 , 2014 at 8:30 PM
  • Merkin Concert Hall
  • Kaufman Center
  • 129 W. 67th St., New York, NY

In celebration of 50 years of music making, the Chorale sang a Gala Concert in Manhattan. The program included favorite songs from past programs, plus new works to propel the group into its future. Featured composers included Theodorakis, Tsontakis, & Hadjidakis, plus arrangements by  Dino Anagnost and Ms. Alexander. A champagne reception followed.


The Arcadian Chorale: "Ooh la la.....la la!"
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture

  • Saturday, May 30, 2015 at 8:00 PM
  • Henderson Theater
    Christian Brothers Academy
  • 850 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft, NJ 

Arcadian Chorale celebrated love and springtime with a festival of French composers, including works by Faure, Rameau, Poulenc, Bizet, and Debussy.


Richmond Choral Society: "Music from Across the Pond"
Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture
  • Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 8 PM
  • St Peter's RC Church
  • 53 St. Mark's Place, Staten Island, NY 10310
  • PROGRAM was repeated on Sunday, June 7, 2015 at 4 PM
  • Christ Church-Bay Ridge, 7301 Ridge Blvd. (at 73rd St.), Brooklyn, NY 10029
Music by British composers is the focus of this Spring's program, with Holst's mysterious and sumptuous Hymns from the Rig Veda, plus Vaughan Williams' Five Mystical Songs, and Holst's joyous setting of Psalm 148, with chamber orchestra.


The Arcadian Chorale: "The Spirit of Christmas"
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture
  • Sunday, December 14 , 2014 at 4:00 PM
  • Holy Spirit RC Church
  • 705 2nd Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ

In what is now a holiday tradition, The Arcadian Chorale sang a special holiday concert, offering concert selections, holiday favorites, and a community× carol sing.  

As part of the Chorale's ongoing educational outreach, last year's concert once again featured the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional High School Chorus, with its director Andre Baldassaerini.


The Arcadian Chorale: "A Freehold Fa-la-la!"
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture
  • Friday, December 12, 2014 at 7:30 PM
  • St. Rose of Lima RC Church
  • 16 McLean Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
Under the auspices of the Freehold Borough Arts Council, Arcadian Chorale rang in the holidays with a festive program of music based on the Psalms, plus holiday favorites, and a carol sing-a-long.

The ensemble was joined by the Freehold Borough High School Chamber Chorus, led by Eric Gross.


Metropolitan Greek Chorale: 
"Faith, Myth, & Song: Christmas in Greece"
Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture
  • Sunday, December 7, 2014 at 7:30 PM
  • Annunciation Greek Orthodox CHurch
  • 91st Street at West End Avenue
  • New York, NY
Carols ("kalanda") from different regions of Greece, plus the premieres of Astrinidis' To Christ in the Castle (excerpts) and Alexander's Christmas Church Bells, with Byzantine chants of the holidays.


Richmond Choral Society: "Follow the Star!"
Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture
  • Saturday, December 6 at 8 PM
  • Sacred Heart RC Church
  • 981 Castleton Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10310

Schubert's magnificent Mass #3 in B flat Major, D. 324, plus Stephen Chatman's Carols of the Nativity, with excerpts from Handel's Messiah, holiday favorites, and a carol sing-along.

The program was repeated on Jan. 11, 2015 in Brooklyn.


The Arcadian Chorale: "Glamorous Genius!"
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture
  • Sunday, May 18, 2014 at 4:00 PM
  • Jersey Shore Arts Center
  • Ocean Grove, NJ
  • Arcadian Chorale offerd a program of music and poetry by women.
    Works ranged from the Baroque inventions of Barbara Strozzi and Madalena Casulana, to Clara Schumann and Fanny Hensel of the Romantic period, to the East Coast Premiere of Portland-based composer Joan Szymko's At Such a Dizzy Height.


Richmond Choral Society: "The Spirit Sings!"
Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture
  • Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 8:00 PM
  • St. Clare's RC Church
  • 110 Nelson Ave., Staten Island, NY 10308
  • RCS sang Maurice Durufle's transcendent Requiem, plus motets by Brahms, and Vaughn Williams' Lord, Thou Hast been Our Refuge.
    The group awarded its 2014 Vocal Scholarships to graduating high school seniors.

Metropolitan Greek Chorale: 
"Joy & Sorrow of the Holy Mother"
Marina Alexander, Music Director


Picture
  • Saturday, Dec. 10, 2013 at 7:30 PM
  • Annunciation ("Evangelismos") Greek Orthodox Church
  • 91st St. at West End Avenue, New York, NY
A program following the sufferings of Mary through her Son's Passion, and celebrating her role as advocate for the faithful. The main works were Rheinberger's beautiful Stabat Mater, Tamoulionas' stunning Ave Maria, plus music from the Renaissance to present day, and special Byzantine chants, and Ms. Alexander's own concert setting of the Orthodox Easter hymn, Chist is Risen (Christos Anesti).


The Arcadian Chorale: "Snowflake Songs"
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture
  • Sunday, March 23, 2014 at 4:00 PM
  • St. Rose of Lima RC Church
  • 18 McLean Street., Freehold, NJ 07728

Works celebrating the magic of the winter season, including the East Coast Premiere of Michael Gandolfi's Winter Light for chorus and string quartet. 


Richmond Choral Society: "Rejoice!"
Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture
  • Saturday, December 28 , 2013 at 8:00 PM
  • Sacred Heart RC Church, Staten Island, NY

RCS performed one of Handel's early masterpieces, his beautiful and vibrant Dixit Dominus, accompanied by chamber orchestra.

The group will also celebrated composer Benjamin Britten's 100th Birthday, offering his Jubilate Deo, Hymn to St. Columba, and other selections. Finally, the audience was invited to join in singing several holiday carols.


Metropolitan Greek Chorale: "Joyful Noise!"
Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture
  • Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013 at 7:30 PM
  • Annunciation ("Evangelismos") Greek Orthodox Church
  • 91st St. at West End Avenue, New York, NY
A celebration of holiday joys via musical settings of various Psalm texts, including the World Premiere of Marina Alexander's setting of Psalm 23, Goodness & Mercy.


Guest Conductor: Verdi Messa da Requiem

Picture
  • Saturday,Oct. 19, 2013 at 8:00 PM
  • Church of St. Paul the Apostle
  • corner of W. 60th St. & Columbus Ave., New York, NY 10314
Marina lead a special performance of Verdi's masterwork as 
Guest Conductor with the NY Symphonic Arts Ensemble.
The concert celebrated that ensemble's 25th Anniversary, and 
Verdi's 200th birthday. Both Arcadian Chorale and 
Richmond Choral Society participated, with the NY Festival Singers, and a cast of exceptional soloists.


Guest Conductor: LABA Eat Festival 2013 

Picture
  • Sat., June 1, & Sun. June 2, 2013
  • 14th Street Y, New York, NY
Marina conducted the World premiere of Amir Shpilman's Hineni Shlach'eni (Here I Am , Send Me!), an aleatory work for chamber choir and four cantonial soloists.  The piece is based on the description of the prophetic appointment of Isaiah, and the symbolic eating of fire as an act of purification. "There fore as the tongue of fire devoureth the stubble, and as the chaff is consumed in the flame, so their root shall be as                                                                          rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust.


The Arcadian Chorale: "Standing Ovation!"
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture
  • Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 4:00 PM
  • Jersey Shore Arts Center
  • Ocean Grove, NJ
  • Arcadian Chorale celebrated its 20th Anniversary, with a program of its "greatest hits," featuring works by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Dvorak, Bernstein, Lauridsen, Rossini, and a host of others.
    The festivities were capped off with a Gala Reception.


Richmond Choral Society: "Divine Light"
Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture
  • Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 8:00 PM
  • St. Clare's RC Church
  • 110 Nelson Ave., Staten Island, NY 10308
  • RCS explored the themes of divine light and redemption, singing Ola' Gjeilo's mysterious Dark Night of the Soul, and Cesar Franck's The Seven Last Words, with chamber orchestra.
    Selections were also offered by the RC Youth Chorus, and the group awarded its 2013 Vocal Scholarships to graduating high school seniors.


Special performance: Puccini's "La Boheme"

Picture
  • Sunday, April 21, 2013 at 3:00 PM
  • Springer Concert Hall, Center for the Arts
  • College of Staten Island
  • 2800 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10314
In collaboration with the Staten Island Philharmonic, Richmond Choral Society sang a concert version of Puccini's masterpiece, with professional soli. The performance will be led by Maestro Alex Guzman.  


Guest appearance: Lecturer
Hellenic Music Educators Association

Picture
Marina was featured as a Guest Lecturer at the March 21 meeting of the Hellenic American Music Educators in Manhattan. Her talk, Gifts from the Gods: Music in Ancient Greece discussed the importance of music in ancient Greek society and education.


Richmond Choral Society: "New York Sings!"
Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture
  • Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 8:00 PM
  • St. Peter's RC Church
  • 53 St. Mark's Place, Staten Island, NY 10301

The special place of NY composers in choral literature was celebrated through works by composers past and present. The new Concert Selections edition of Leonard Bernstein's rarely heard Mass was the cornerstone work, and included the RCS Youth Chorus.

The group will also sang The Word, a sacred cantata in popular style by Staten Island based composer Galt MacDermot, the famed Broadway composer of Hair and Two Gentlemen of Verona, specially edited by Ms. Alexander for this performance.

Finally, RCS offered the World Premiere of Supplication, a two-movement work on Psalm texts by emerging NY composer David Glorioso.


The Arcadian Chorale : "Voice of the Turtle Dove"
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture
  • Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012 at 7:30 PM
  • St. Rose of Lima RC Church
  • 18 McLean Street., Freehold, NJ 07728

Works inspired by the biblical Song of Songs. Bach's beloved Cantata #140, Wachet auf anchored the first part of the program, which also featured motets by Salamone Rossi. 

The second part offered From the Song of Songs, a magical work for chorus, soprano and tenor soli, strings, harpsicord and oud by 
Greek-Canadian composer Christos Hatzis that marries Middle Eastern 
and Baroque musical idioms. The Chorale also sang contemporary carols, and invite the audience to join them in seasonal favorites.


The Arcadian Chorale : "The Spirit of Christmas"
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture
  • Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012 at 4:00 PM
  • Holy Spirit RC Church
  • 705 Second Ave., Asbury Park, NJ 07712
In what is now a holiday tradition, The Arcadian Chorale sang a special holiday concert, offering concert selections, holiday favorites,  and a community× carol sing.  

As part of the Chorale's educational outreach, this year's concert also featured the Matawan Regional High School Chorus, with its director Andre Baldassaerini.


Metropolitan Greek Chorale: "Magi & Shepherds"
Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture
  • Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012 at 7:30 PM
  • Annunciation ("Evangelismos") Greek Orthodox Church
  • 91st St. at West End Avenue, New York, NY

The magic of the season was evoked through works celebrating the wonder of the first witnesses of the miracles of Christmas. Byzantine works by John Tavener and chant settings by Ms. Alexander were contrasted with holiday carols and favorites in both Greek and English. The centerpiece of the program was Vivaldi's other Gloria in D, RV 588.


Christmas in Italy: Cristina Fontinelli in Concert
Richmond Choral Society
Marina Alexander, Conductor

  • Sunday, Dec. 1, 2012 at 3:00 PM
  • Symphony Space
  • 2537 Broadway at 95th St., New York, NY 10025
A guest appearance with Italian soprano Cristina Fontinelli, joining her in carols and seasonal favorites.

Richmond Choral Society & Arcadian Chorale
with the Staten Island Philharmonic

    Mozart  - "Great" Mass in C minor, K. 427
Marina Alexander, Conductor

Picture

  • Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012 at 4:00 PM
  • Holy Spirit RC Church
  • 705 2nd Avenue, Asbury Park,. NJ
A reprise performance of Mozart's Mass in C minor, the "Great," including the critically acclaimed completion of the piece by German scholar-conductor, Benjamin-Gunnar Cohrs.


Metropolitan Greek Chorale 
"Harmonia - A Celebration of GreeK Song"
Marina Alexander, Music Director

  • Saturday, June 9, 2012 at 7:30 PM
  • Cathedral Center Ballroom at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Church
  • 319 East 74th Street, New York, NY 10021
Greek zest for living was celebrated in works from the folk, traditional, and popular song repertories. The Chorale was joined by an acknowledged master of Greek song, Grigoris Maninakis, and his Mikrokosmos Ensemble, and by members of the Archdiocesan Cathedral Choir. 

Richmond Choral Society & Arcadian Chorale
with the Staten Island Philharmonic
Mozart  - "Great" Mass in C minor, K. 427
Marina Alexander, Conductor

Picture
  • Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 8:00 PM
  • St. Peter's RC Church
  • 53 St. Mark's Place, Staten Island, NY 10301
Marina's choral ensembles came together to sing one of Mozart's greatest yet unfinished works, his Mass in C minor, the "Great." The performance offered the Pan-American Premiere of a new completion of the piece by German scholar-conductor, Benjamin-Gunnar Cohrs. 


The Arcadian Chorale : "Video Games Live"

  • Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 7:30 PM
  • Count Basie Theater
  • 99 MonmouthStreet, Red Bank, NJ 07701
The ensemble sang the choral parts for Video Games Live, a mutli-media concert of music composed for video games, with full symphony orchestra, under the direction of conductor Emmanuel Fratianni.
Selections included One-Winged Angel, Tetris-Opera, and Halo Trilogy. The performance received a rousing standing ovation!

The Arcadian Chorale : "The Spirit of Christmas"
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture
  • Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011 at 4:00 PM
  • Holy Spirit RC Church
  • 705 Second Ave., Asbury Park, NJ 07712
As it has done for the past several years, Arcadian Chorale sang a special holiday concert, offering holiday favorites, canciones naviden~as, and a community× carol sing.  


The Arcadian Chorale : "O Great Mystery"
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture
Arcadian Chorale sang a holiday program of Renaissance and contemporary works on the theme of mystery and miracles. The centerpiece was Tomas Luis de Victoria's motet, O magnum mysterium, plus the Mass he wrote using the same theme. Early music by Schutz and Cima was contrasted with modern works by Alan Hovhaness, Stephen Chatman, and Giancarlo Aquilanti, rounded off by Spanish carol settings by Ariel Ramirez, and other holiday favorites. 


Metropolitan Greek Chorale  - "Light of Lights"
Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture
  • Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011 at 7:30 PM
  • Annunciation (Evangelismos) Greek Orthodox Church Church
  • 302 West 91st Street (at West End Avenue,) New York, NY 10024
The Orthodox Christmas hymn "Thy birth, O Christ" celebrates the arrival of the Light of Wisdom to the world. MGC's fall program will explored the idea of light, in muisc: divine light, star light, and the light of  salvation. Works were from both the Western and Byzantine traditions, including the World Premiere of Marina's newest composition, Sun of Righteousness. 


Richmond Choral Society  - "Blessed Peace"
Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture
  • Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011 at 4:00 PM
  • St. Peter's RC Church
  • 53 St. Mark's Place, Staten Island, NY 10301
RCS sang the World Premiere of Songs of Abraham, a new work celebrating the common heritage of the world's three great religions, written for the ensemble by Staten Island based composer Barbara Wesby. It joined with the choral ensembles of Wagner College to sing that piece, plus works by Bach, Gabrieli, and Rutter. Wagner College conductor Roger Wesby led his choruses in special holiday works, and the RCS Children's Chorus offered a stirring rendition of "Let There Be Peace on Earth." 


Gershwin's "Porgy & Bess"

Picture

  • Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 4:00 PM
  • College of Staten Island Performing Arts Center, Springer Concert Hall
  • 2800 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10314
The College of Staten Island Chorus, conducted by Ms. Alexander, joined with the Wagner College Chorus to sing a concert version of George Gershwin's landmark opera.
The performance with full orchestra, under the baton of Wagner professor Roger Wesby, featured soprano soloist Celeste Headlee and baritone Anthony Turner. With a practically full house, the enthusiastic audience gave the ensemble a standing ovation, and elicited an encore by acclaim of the finale.



The Arcadian Chorale : "Harmonious Voyage"
Marina Alexander, Musical & Artistic Director

Picture
  • Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 8:00 PM
  • St. Rose of Lima Parish Center
  • 18 McLean Street, Freehold, NJ 07728

The Arcadian Chorale offered a spring program of song from around the world, including works from Greece, Japan, Croatia, Italy, Cuba, Australia, Poland, India, and the British Isles.
As a Mother's Day weekend special, all mothers attending the concert received a free corsage.
The evening was capped off with a reception featuring home-made desserts generously offered by the Chorale's members, and other tasty tidbits from various national cuisines. 


Metropolitan Greek Chorale :
"Power of the Passion: the Seven Last Words"
Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture
  • Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 4:00 PM
  • Annunciation ("Evangelismos") Greek orthodox Church
  • 91st St. at West End Avenue, New York, NY

Marking the pascal season, the Metropolitan Greek Chorale explored Christ's passion via  various movements from Cesar Franck's poignantly beautiful Sept Paroles du Christ en Croix, with interspersed works on this same theme  by Gounod, Daniel Moe, Michael Haydn, and Ivan Moody, plus Byzantine chants appropriate to the season.


Richmond Choral Society
" Choral Classics"- 60th Anniversary Concert & Gala Reception
Marina Alexander, Music Director

Picture
  • Sunday, May 22, 2011 at 4:00 PM
  • St. Peter's RC Church
  • 53 St. Mark's Place, Staten Island, NY
  • Read the review in the Staten Island Advance: http://www.silive.com/entertainment/arts/index.ssf/2011/05/best_rapture_this_side_of_heav.html
Bringing great music to the community of Staten Island for 60 years, the Richmond Choral Society marked its anniversary with a program of choral masterworks, featuring excerpts from the repertory's most beloved and beautiful works. This included the Monteverdi Vespers of 1610, Orff Carmina Burana, Requiem settings by Brahms, Verdi, Mozart & Faure, Bernstein Chichester Psalms, Haydn Creation, and Handel Messiah. The Richmond Choral Youth Chorus was also featured, singing Britten and Vivaldi, and a gala reception followed.


Richmond Choral Society - Harvest Festival Opera Gala
Marina Alexander, Music Director

  • Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011 from 2:30 - 3:30 PM
  • Snug Harbor Cultural Center - Tuscan Garden
  • 1000 Richmond Terrace., Staten Island, NY 10301
Richmond Choral Society joined with professional operatic soloists, raising their voices in song as the 
Snug Harbor Cultural Center celebrated the fall season, and inaugurated its beautiful new Tuscan Garden. Selections included the "Haban~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~era" from Bizet's Carmen and "Nessun dorma" from Puccini's Turandot, plus excerpts from La Boheme, Lakme, and Gianni Schicchi.
For more info, please visit the web sites of Ms. Alexander's ensembles
Photo used under Creative Commons from TeledyN