Celebration of "The American Century" in Norfolk

On Sunday, July 14 at 3 p.m., the Litchfield County Choral Union, under the direction of Jonathan F. Babbitt with the LCCU Festival Orchestra, will perform a collection of works by Aaron Copland, a great American composer, featuring his "Fanfare for the Common Man," "Old American Songs" and others. The concert will be presented in The Shed located on the grounds of the beautiful Ellen Battell Stoeckel Estate on Route 44 in Norfolk.

The Choral Union was established in 1899 by Ellen and Carl Stoeckel in memory of Mrs. Stoeckel's father, Robbins Battell, who had been an outstanding figure in the musical life of northwestern Connecticut. After Mrs. Stoeckel’s death in 1939, Yale University established a school of art, literature and music on the estate as provided in her will. The Shed, erected in 1906 for the Choral Union, is lined with California redwood. It was and remains today a concert hall of remarkably fine acoustic quality.

The Choral Union continues to strive to carry out the joyous spirit of its original dedication in 1899: "to honor the composer and his work in the most elevated conditions." Given the tragedy suffered by America on September 11, it is only fitting that the Choral Union honor a composer who was profoundly drawn to the gifts of liberty offered by America, as can be seen in his "Canticle of Freedom" and "The Tender Land."

Mr. Babbitt was born and raised in Litchfield. He has been associated with the Choral Union for over 25 years. He is a graduate of Yale University and the Yale School of Music, where he was Director of the Freshman Chorus and Associate Director of the Yale Glee Club under the tutelage of Fenno Heath.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, and may be obtained from Beyer Music in Torrington, or by calling 860-868-0739, or 860-542-5039. For more info about the Litchfield County Choral Union, visit <www.lccuchorus.org>.