In Glory Resplendent! This exciting program celebrates the finest choral music of the great composer, Johann Sebastian Bach. Okaloosa Chamber Singers will perform Cantata 191 and sections of the Christmas Oratorio as it was intended to be heard - with orchestra. The "Magnificat" by Herbert Howells and "Videntes stellam" by Francis Poulenc are also featured along with gorgeous arrangements of favorite carols. These concert venues complete the musical experience with their beautiful organs and resonant acoustics. Guest artists include bass-baritone Dr. Michael Hix and trumpeter Dr. Jim Zingara, both of Troy University. Friday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church 103 First Street SE Fort Walton Beach, FL Sunday, December 7 at 3:00 p.m. First United Methodist Church 88 Circle Drive DeFuniak Springs, FL

All About Love Love of God  - Love of Country - Romantic Love Love in Popular Songs Whether you’re celebrating love, missing love, or longing for love, you’ll find plenty of “music of the heart” at these two spring concerts. Friday, March 27, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. First Presbyterian Church 1200 E. John Sims Parkway Niceville, FL Sunday, March 29, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. Destin United Methodist Church 200 Beach Drive Destin, FL

For More Information, Call 850-682-9651

 

Founded in June of 1994 by Dr. Marilyn Overturf, the Okaloosa Chamber Singers is an auditioned ensemble composed of approximately 24 advanced singers from Okaloosa County and surrounding communities. 

OCS strives to bring the highest caliber choral music and vocal performance to northwest Florida.  Music of the Renaissance through the Contemporary periods is explored, including both accompanied and a cappella repertoire.  During the past ten seasons the Okaloosa Chamber Singers has brought its music to five area cities:  Niceville, Ft. Walton Beach, Defuniak Springs, Destin, and Crestview.  OCS has also performed at the Pensacola Museum of Art and The Seaside Institute. 

Selected by audition by the Florida Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association as the representative community choir in our state, OCS sang for the 1997 fall ACDA workshop held in Gainesville at the University of Florida.  For several years Okaloosa Chamber Singers concerts have been recorded by WUWF for presentation on 88.1, the public radio station of northwest Florida.

OCS is committed to showcase exceptional musical talent and has funded guest artists including Karyl Louwenaar-Lueck, internationally recognized harpsichordist, harpist Mary Brigid Roman, and bass/baritone Roy Delp, all  of whom are members of the faculty at The Florida State University.  Gary Piazza, noted lutenist, guitarist and singer, performed both lute and guitar music ranging from the Renaissance "Midnight" by John Dowland, to "Sweet Home, Chicago."  OCS collaborations with school vocal ensembles include joint performances with Crestview High School, Niceville High School, and Davidson Middle School.

Recently guest performers have included Daniel Nagy, pianist, who has given many solo recitals and participated in chamber music performances in the USA, Spain, Germany, and France, and also Brazil with  internationally renowned concert pianist, Daisy de Luca.  In March, 2007, Mr. Nagy accompanied OCS and played the music of Brahms and Gershwin.   He teaches at Pensacola Junior College.  Katie Ott-Demeester, outstanding harpist, has performed with OCS a number of  times over the years, and in December, 2007 again joined OCS in a memorable performance of Britten's "A Ceremony of Carols."   Ms. Ott  currently  holds  principal positions with the Mobile Symphony and Opera, and the Pensacola Symphony, Opera, and Ballet.  She is the founder and director of The Gulf Coast Harp Ensemble, which performed in the 2008 "Festival of Hymns."

The popular "Festival of Hymns" program performed by OCS the past several years, has served to showcase young talent, and involve the assembly in performing some of our most beloved hymns.  These programs have also highlighted the talent of Kim Cannon, Christian pianist and Director of Music at the Destin United Methodist Church.