November, 2003 - "It's a Grand Night for Singing" Rodgers & Hammerstein

Music from State Fair, Carousel, Allegro, South Pacific, Sound of Music, The King and I, Oklahoma, as well as "Funny Valentine" and "Can't Help Loving that Man" were performed in a Cabaret setting. Soloists included professional soprano, Dawn Ovando as well as local soloists: Joel Strobeck, Patti Rubin, Peter Delaney, Jonathan West, Barbara Roach, Victoria Solon, and Beth Holder. Mike Rubin was the accompanist and Tom Clark - percussion.

April, 2003 - Georg Friedrich Händel's Messiah

Messiah's premiere in April 13th, 1742, 261 years ago this Sunday, was the culminating event of Händel's (1685-1759) extended stay in Dublin. Given at Neals Music Hall on Fishamble Street, the audience numbered about 700, 40+ in the orchestra, 7 soloists and 32 stalwart men and boys in the chorus. Composed in a record 24 days it was originally described as "fine entertainment". The most famous oratorio has since become a traditional Christmas offering but actually depicts the prophecy, nativity and His suffering, death and Resurrection. Our production, with a 57-member chorus and 19-member orchestra was dedicated to the memory of Charles J. Newcomb, long-time singer and supporter of the ECAS. The soloists included Thomas Bradshaw, tenor; Gregory Cantwell, Baritone; Margaret Brooks, Soprano; Robyn Shapiro, Mezzo-soprano.