"Open Minds" Watch Party with Harmonium Choral Society

Harmonium Choral Society invites you to a free watch party of Open Minds, on Sunday, September 13, 2020 at 7 pm on Harmonium's YouTube Channel. Composed by Rob Redei with poetry by Deborah Kennedy, Open Minds gives voice to people with mental health challenges and those who love and care about them. The video is from the live concerts right before quarantine, in the gorgeous acoustic of the Presbyterian Church in Morristown. This virtual premiere includes an introduction by Artistic Director Dr. Anne Matlack, and a post-concert interview with both the composer and the poet. Watchers can comment in the chat.

 

During the stream, there will be an opportunity to donate to The Mental Health Association in New Jersey, the non-profit that has supported the care and recovery of people with mental health and substance use disorders for over 75 years. Our goal is to raise awareness of those coping with mental health challenges, especially now during the disruptions and isolation of Covid-19, and to make more people aware of this important new choral work as a means of bringing discussion of mental health into the open without stigma. 

 

Visit Open Minds Saves Lives  for more information and to view the score.

 

The Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ) strives to help people achieve victory over mental health and substance use disorders through its advocacy, education, training, and services. MHANJ’s vision is a community in which children and adults with behavioral health disorders can achieve full potential, free from stigma.

COVID-19 has left many feeling anxious or isolated. Many benefit greatly from virtual support groups and individual emotional health sessions sponsored by MHANJ. Visit MHANJ for more information.  HOTLINE 866-202-HELP (4357).

 

The mission of the Harmonium Choral Society is to inspire and transform our community through music, advancing the choral arts through education, commissions, and community partnerships. Harmonium has grown from a small group founded in 1979 to today’s Morristown-based chorus of 100 voices. Harmonium seeks to build an appreciation of choral music through concerts, education, and outreach throughout northern New Jersey. During the pandemic we seek to continue to nurture and reach our communities with creativity, musical excellence, and education.

 

Dr. Anne Matlack has been artistic director since 1987. Her musical programming is eclectic, and singers enjoy the challenge of musical expression in many styles and from many cultures.   Harmonium has sponsored an annual choral composition contest for NJ high school students since 1998. The group has also commissioned a number of new works from professional composers, including several by its Composers-in-Residence Mark Miller and Martin Sedek, who are currently working on commissions for our return to live singing. Visit harmonium.org for more information.