Connecticut Master Chorale

The Connecticut Master Chorale is pleased to announce that American composer Jay Althouse has dedicated his newest composition to the Chorale. The work entitled "Shout the News!" is an exciting a cappella spiritual and received its premiere performance at the Chorale's annual Holiday Prelude Concert, November 2003 at St. Mary Church in Bethel. Althouse's "Shout the News" was recorded along with the entire concert and is now available on CD.

Over the years, the Chorale has performed several Althouse numbers. The group won its third McDonald's Gospelfest competition this past May with "Goin' to Bethlehem ," another composition by Althouse. "When I heard of the groups successes," Mr. Althouse said, "I decided this was the perfect time to dedicate my new spiritual to this group."

Heidrich was contacted in October by the composer’s wife, Sally Albrecht, also a composer. "We talked about you and your chorale tonight at dinner," Albrecht said. "Would you and your group enjoy a special dedication?"

Heidrich jumped at the opportunity. She regards Althouse as one of the finest composers of our time. "Jay Althouse has enjoyed enormous popularity in the music field, having written over 500 choral compositions," Heidrich said. "We are deeply honored by this special dedication and we are eagerly looking forward to presenting its first performance!" The printed music, not available to the general public until March, has the dedication to Connecticut Master Chorale engraved on the title page.