The Lakewood Area Choral Society (LACS) is returning for a full season of concerts in 2022.  While Covid-19 shuttered operations with only one concert in 2021 and none in 2020, the choir is back for a regular season of rehearsals and concerts, with its first rehearsal to be held on Monday, March 28, at 7:00 p.m. at Lakewood High School.  

The choir, which was formed in 1986, was to have celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2020.  That celebration will occur this year with the theme being 35th In 37.  The choral society’s first performance will be a 3:00 p.m. concert of sacred music on Sunday, June 5.  In the fall, LACS will celebrate its 35th In 37 Gala Anniversary Concert with a Saturday, September 24, 7:00 p.m. concert in the Hastings Performing Arts Center.  This special anniversary concert will feature the world premier of the choir’s commissioned piece, His Masterpiece, by nationally-acclaimed composer, Jill Gallina, who will be in attendance.  The third and final concert of 2022 will be the traditional Christmas concert on December 18.  Watch for venues and other important information in local and social media outlets.

Since 1986, close to 600 singers from mid and western Michigan have been members of the choral society.   Singers have commuted from communities as far away as Holt, Eaton Rapids, Portage, Battle Creek, and Grand Rapids, as well as Ionia, Grand Ledge, Saranac, Hastings, and from within the Lakewood School District.  Currently, with over 85 voices, the choir sings a full range of selections from sacred and secular to classical and contemporary.  The choir is led by founding artistic director and conductor, Dr. Robert C. Oster, with Niki Reitz serving as accompanist and Ronni O’Toole and Cindy Olson as assistant conductors.  The mission of the choral society is to provide for its members an atmosphere that promotes learning and enjoyment of choral music and to provide our audiences with superior performances of choral music.  

While not actively recruiting this year, LACS welcomes new members. To learn about becoming a new member visit lacsmusic.org, prior to March 28.  Click on “Who We Are” and complete the online form under “Joining LACS.”  If you would like further information, please email Joanie Oster, Executive Assistant, at lacsmusic@gmail.com or phone 269-967-7246.