This concert will feature priests from the Berkshires as part of the singing ensemble that includes priests from other parts of the Diocese of Springfield.
PITTSFIELD –The singing priests of the Diocese of Springfield are picking up their tunes again, this time to benefit the Annual Catholic Appeal.
And this time they will perform for a Berkshire County audience.
Back by popular demand, the priests will perform an encore performance of New Wine in Old Wineskins, a celebration of song, including favorite hymns and popular Broadway tunes. It will take place on Friday, May 3, at 7 p.m. at the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage, 30 Union St., Pittsfield.
This concert will feature priests from the Berkshires as part of the singing ensemble that includes priests from other parts of the Diocese of Springfield.
Priests performed in Chicopee last October; the sold-out event drew an audience of more than 1,100 people, but few Berkshire residents made the trip to the concert, said the Rev. Christopher J. Waitekus, one of the performers and a Pittsfield native.
He is pastor of St. Ann Church in Lenox, St. Vincent de Paul Church in Lenox Dale and St. Patrick Church in West Stockbridge.
“Being from the Berkshires, I am passionate about our Berkshire people being able to see this” concert, he said.
"What a happy surprise to learn that our very talented singing priests will be providing an encore of their successful fall show,” said Mark E. Dupont, communications director for the Diocese of Springfield. “I know some folks were disappointed when they were unable to get last minute tickets (for the October show), so this is a great opportunity, not to mention the generosity in designating the Annual Catholic Appeal as recipient from the concert proceeds."
Eleven priests sang in the Chicopee concert; by April 5, 16 were planning to sing in the Pittsfield event.
“I love showing the people of the diocese the fraternity and the joy of performing with my fellow priests,” said Waitekus, who is coordinating the encore performance.
The concert group, directed by the Rev. Vernon P. Decoteau, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Belchertown, will perform nearly 40 songs in two segments separated by an intermission. The first segment will feature religious music including such favorites as “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” “Ave Maria,” “How Great Thou Art” and “Prayer of St. Francis.”
The second half of the concert will mix contemporary, Irish and Broadway tunes like “Oh Danny Boy,” “Moon River,” “Sentimental Journey” and “New York New York.”
The Rev. Matthew J. Alcombright, parochial vicar of Mary Mother of Hope Church in Springfield, will serve as the group’s pianist. He has a bachelor’s degree in music education and piano performance from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
The concert shows the musical side of the priests, Waitekus said. “And to say yes (to participate), you have to have a fun, spirited side.”
The priests in the concert range from those who have been ordained a short while to those who are long-time priests. A few of the songs in the concert will play on the older/younger dynamic, which will be fun, Waitekus said.
Tickets for general admission seating will be $25 and may be purchased in person at the box office, online at www.barringtonstageco.org/rentals/newwine or by phone at (413) 236-8888.