STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
It’ll be “A Grand Night for Singing” when the Caritas Chorale throws its annual fall fundraiser on Sept. 14.
The Chorale will perform a selection of fun tunes amidst wine and hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, raffle and paddle up at 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at Ketchum’s Limelight Hotel.
Tickets are $150, with discounted tickets of $125 for those buying four or more tickets, available at https://caritaschorale.org/ or by calling 206-399-8800.
Raffle tickets are $25 each or five for $100 and may be purchased at Atkinson’s Market in Hailey and Ketchum from 3 to 5 p.m. Sept. 9-13 or the evening of the event. Winners need not be present to win.
Prizes include four hour-long voice lessons from Joel Bejot, an Albertsons Gift Basket, Blackstone Two Burner Griddle, three-night getaway in Boise, Sun Valley Culinary Institute Cooking Class for two, Fifties-Style Fondue Party for four, Handmade Quilt by Margie Gould, Mirror Art from Glass Masters, two-night Musical Getaway to see the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra and a month-long Zenergy Fitness Pass with a facial by Calie and manicure by Valley Nails.
Also, a private dinner party at the home of Caritas board member Charlotte Alexander, catered by Caritas singer and renowned chef Judith McQueen and accompanied by a private musical performance by Caritas Co-Artistic Director R.L. Rowsey.
“This is such an exciting time for Caritas. There is newness in the air,” Rowsey said. “We are committed to continuing to support our community with the rewards of choral music. Coming together for this event will simply be fun.”
The approximately 50-member chorus, under the musical direction of Co-Artistic Directors R.L. Rowsey and Joel Bejot, performs four or five free concerts annually in addition to community outreach concerts, such as tree lightings, Fourth of July celebrations and the Memorial Day ceremony in Hailey.
Caritas Chorale presents performances of classical, traditional, and contemporary chorale music with and without instrumental accompaniment. Caritas Chorale also strives to promote choral music appreciation and education in community schools, in the wider community, and among its members.
“Music, and singing in a choir in particular, can help to bridge different kinds of people,” said Caritas Co-Artistic Director Joel Bejot. “You'll see people from all over the Wood River Valley at our rehearsals. I deeply love that music can bring different kinds of folks together. When we see each other as human, as people with families they love, respect and understanding follows.”
Caritas does not charge an admission for performances, sustaining itself in part through audience donations.
“Music exists for everyone: Some will make music, others will be in the audience, and still others will support Caritas Chorale financially,” Bejot said. “But all will benefit, in ways large or small, because this group exists.”