Barry Asch to retire from Capella Cantorum

Cofounder, Music Director and conductor of Cappella Cantorum, Barry B. Asch, recently announced his retirement from the Cappella Cantorum Master Works Chorus, on June 30. Asch has conducted the Master Works Chorus for 48 years with more than 70 major choral works.

According to its mission statement, Cappella Cantorum is a community chorus whose primary purpose is to learn, perform and enjoy great choral music while striving for excellence and for enrichment of its singers and audience.

Cappella Cantorum Men’s Chorus was started by Asch in 1977. The 2017 Cappella Cantorum Men’s Chorus Season includes five concerts in various locations throughout the shoreline and features “Music From Around the World.”

Asch started the Annual Messiah Sing or Listen at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. The Ninth season is scheduled for Sun. Dec. 17.

Cappella Cantorum’s European Concert Tours started in 1981, directed by Asch.

A highlight of Cappella Cantorum was singing five concerts in Carnegie Hall, New York, with Mid-America Productions. Asch contacted Mid America Productions, which resulted in this participation opportunity.

Asch initiated the Summer Sings in 1987 and is conducting the Summer Sing on Monday, June 19 with the Lord Nelson Mass at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 56 Great Hammock Road, Old Saybrook. All singers are welcome to perform in this read-through of a great choral work. Soloists are Soprano-Danielle Howard, Mezzo Soprano-Rachel Abrams, Tenor-David Finley and Baritone-Christopher Grundy. The event is co-sponsored by Cappella Cantorum and Con Brio. Scores will be available and a $10 fee covers the cost of the event. The church is air-conditioned and handicapped accessible. For more information call 860-388-4110 or 860-4349135 or visit www.cappellacantorum.org or www.conbrio.org

Artists invited to open studios event

The East Hampton Arts & Culture Commission (EHACC) will host the third annual East Hampton Open Artist Studio and Exhibit on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A second day for the event on Oct. 29 may be an option if there is enough interest from participating studios.

Painters, collage makers, sculptors, glass blowers, potters, woodworkers and artists of all mediums are invited to open their working studios to the public for the day. The event is a chance for East Hampton artists to share their passion for their work, exhibit art and share information about techniques and experiences.

Artists who are unable to open their studios to the public have the opportunity to exhibit some of their artwork at a space provided the day of the event. Interested artists may contact the EHACC at arts@easthamptonct.org <mailto: arts@easthamptonct.org>

Vendors needed for annual craft show

Applications are now being accepted for the 26th Annual Festival on the Green Craft Show & Muster on Saturday, July 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This year’s event is being sponsored by the Colchester Lions Club, which is working closely with the Colchester Historical Society, the group that founded the event. The Annual Fife and Drum Muster will also continue, coordinated by the Colchester Continentals Fife and Drum Corps.

Last year, more than 70 craft vendors exhibited their wares on the green. Exhibitors are welcome to display a variety of arts and crafts, including woodworking, painting, photography, food items, pottery, jewelry, stained glass and more. All items must be personally crafted. No imports or mass producted items are allowed.

If reserved by July 1, the fee for booth space is $75 for a 10’ by 10’ space; $140 for a double space. After July 1, the fees are $85 and $150. Rain date is Sunday, July 23. For information, call the event hotline at 860531-2010, or e-mail craftshowmuster@gmail.com.

Wesleyan to hold annual writers conference

MIDDLETOWN » Award-winning writers Amy Bloom, Rivka Galchen, Lis Harris, Honor Moore, and Steve Almond will join more than 20 writers, editors, and agents at the 61st annual Wesleyan Writers Conference, which will be held from June 14-18. In addition, a one-day festival will be held on Saturday, June 17. The conference offers advice for writers at every stage of their career, featuring classes, workshops, manuscript advice, guest speakers, readings, publishing advice, and talks with editors and agents. It welcomes new writers, experienced writers, and everyone interested in the writer’s craft.

To register, visit www.wes leyan .e du/writing/conference/ registration .html.