Camarata Music Company is seeking young singers for its children’s choir in the fall session to begin at the end of this month.

The Camarata Children’s Choir had over 40 children in the choir from more than 10 different countries for its spring session, and is seeking to grow in number and diversity.

“It is a wonderful way for children to be exposed to music in a fun, stress-free setting, meet new friends from all over the world, learn about music and culture, and just have a great time,” said CMC director Ryan Goessl.

“One of our main goals is to provide an opportunity to learn music in a fun way, without any pressure on children. We not only learn music, but also learn about concepts and topics about music, through singing, music related activities and games, and discussion.”



Goessl said the choir performs one main concert and one or two smaller concerts for the children in each session. Sessions follow the international school calendar and last about 3 1/2 months.

The choir, which is nonreligious, is open to children aged 7-15, with some 6-year-olds taken on a case-by-case basis. There is an introduction session for parents interested in getting their kids involved at the International Lutheran Church in Hannam-dong at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

Rehearsals will be held on Saturday mornings at the International Lutheran Church, starting Aug. 29.

The practices are in English, so children wishing to take part should be comfortable with using English, Goessl said, though fluency is not a requirement.

The Camarata Chorale will also be holding its POPS concert on Sept. 5 at the Chung-dong First Methodist Church near City Hall Station.

The annual concert by CMC’s general choir features a selection of songs from popular genres, this year with a big band theme.

According to Goessl, this year’s song list includes music by Kool and the Gang, Jackson 5, Duke Ellington and Neil Diamond.

“A lot of jazz, funk, bigband, and music that has a groove. All the audience should leave the concert with a dance in their step and a smile on their face,” he said.

The Camarata POPS concert will be held at 7 p.m. on Sept. 5 at the Chungdong First Methodist Church near City Hall Station.

Tickets are 20,000 won in advance or 30,000 won at the door. Reservations are available through tickets@camaratamusic.com or 010-2033-7663.

The choir is open to new members, including beginners, ahead of its Christmas performance of Handel’s “Messiah,” for which rehearsals begin on Sept. 13. See www.camaratamusic.com for more information.

By Paul Kerry (paulkerry@heraldcorp.com)