May 23, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II, III & IV • Page 27 The New Jersey Choral Society will present “Symphony of Voices,” finale to its 2011-2012 season, on Friday, June 1 at 8 p.m. at West Side Presbyterian Church, 6 South Monroe Street in Ridgewood. The chorus will perform with worldclass soloists Jessica Rivera and Mark Womack, the Connecticut Choral Society, and an orchestra of 51 musicians. An encore performance will be held on Sunday, June 3 at 3 p.m. at the Naugatuck Valley Community College Fine Arts Center in Waterbury, Connecticut. Under the direction of Conductor Eric Dale Knapp, the chorus will present Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “A Sea Symphony.” This monumental work is rarely performed due to the complexity of the music and the requirements for a large orchestra. For this performance, NJCS will be joined by its “sister” ensemble, the Connecticut Choral Society, New Jersey Choral Society presents ‘Symphony of Voices’ which will swell the chorus to over 160 voices. When it was first presented to British audiences in the early 20th century, “A Sea Symphony” marked the beginning of a new age of both philosophical thought and musical excellence. Drawing from the poetry of Walt Whitman, Vaughan Williams embraced the idea of a sea voyage as a metaphor for the human soul’s voyage through life. Also included will be the finale of Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Organ Symphony” performed by Linda Sweetman-Waters. Rivera’s voice has been praised by the “San Francisco Chronicle” for its “effortless precision and tonal luster.” “The New York Times” calls her “vocally luminous.” Womack continues to garner praise for his commanding vocal and dramatic interpretations in the operatic and theatrical worlds and as a classical musician. He has been hailed for his “rich, clear voice and good looks” by the “Salt Lake Tribune,” and as “strikingly warm, gracefully honeytoned,” by “Opera News.” Come one hour before the concert for The Inside Line, a complimentary lecture about the music for ticket holders. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Tickets for June 1 are $30 for general admission; $27 for students, seniors, and patrons with disabilities; and $12 for children age 12 and under. Tickets purchased at the door will cost an additional $5 each. Group discounts are available. In support of the Center for Food Action, the New Jersey Choral Society will be collecting nonperishable food items at the Ridgewood concert. For reservations or more information, visit http://www. njcs.org or call (201) 379-7719.