History
The Mozart Club was founded in the 1920's as an organization of the professional musicians of Winston Salem. They began hosting an annual free concert for the community of Handel's Messiah in the 1930's. Initially, only the Christmas portion of the Messiah was performed and was hosted by Centenary United Methodist Church in downtown Winston Salem. Over the years, many well known conductors have performed with our group, including Sir David Willcocks for several years. The Mozart Club Board was led by Nancy Ann Harris Greenfield for many years until her death in 2006. Greg Powers organized and brought the Messiah performance forward after Mrs. Greenfield's death and served as our leader and chair until 2023.
The Mozart Club was founded in the 1920's as an organization of the professional musicians of Winston Salem. They began hosting an annual free concert for the community of Handel's Messiah in the 1930's. Initially, only the Christmas portion of the Messiah was performed and was hosted by Centenary United Methodist Church in downtown Winston Salem. Over the years, many well known conductors have performed with our group, including Sir David Willcocks for several years. The Mozart Club Board was led by Nancy Ann Harris Greenfield for many years until her death in 2006. Greg Powers organized and brought the Messiah performance forward after Mrs. Greenfield's death and served as our leader and chair until 2023.
Leadership
The Winston-Salem Mozart Club's sponsored performance of Handel's Messiah is the oldest continuing annual performance in North Carolina since 1923.
The 2024 performance of the complete Handel's Messiah will be conducted by Marika Kuzma, an in-demand conductor, choral director, choral clinician, and vocal coach. Maestra Kuzma has led professional and amateur ensembles across the US and Canada, including at Carnegie Hall and the National Cathedral
David Williamson, of First Baptist Church is the Chorus Master, leading the chorus rehearsals in preparation for the final week of rehearsals.
Terry Hicks, choral director at Forsyth Country Day School, is the piano accompanist for the rehearsal.
The current board members are:
Mary Bergstone, Chair
David Bergstone - Vice Chair
Allison George - Secretary
Joshua Bragg - Treasurer
Terry Hicks, Board Member and Immediate Past Chairman
Lydian Averitt, Board Member
Ben Limehouse, Board Member
Steven Shafer, Board Member
David Williamson - Chorus Master and Board Member
The 2024 performance of the complete Handel's Messiah will be conducted by Marika Kuzma, an in-demand conductor, choral director, choral clinician, and vocal coach. Maestra Kuzma has led professional and amateur ensembles across the US and Canada, including at Carnegie Hall and the National Cathedral
David Williamson, of First Baptist Church is the Chorus Master, leading the chorus rehearsals in preparation for the final week of rehearsals.
Terry Hicks, choral director at Forsyth Country Day School, is the piano accompanist for the rehearsal.
The current board members are:
Mary Bergstone, Chair
David Bergstone - Vice Chair
Allison George - Secretary
Joshua Bragg - Treasurer
Terry Hicks, Board Member and Immediate Past Chairman
Lydian Averitt, Board Member
Ben Limehouse, Board Member
Steven Shafer, Board Member
David Williamson - Chorus Master and Board Member
