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11/29/2017 08:30 AMOn Sunday, Dec. 17 at 3 p.m., the famed a capella group the Yale Whiffenpoofs will take the stage in The Morgan School auditorium in a free performance for the George Flynn Classical Concert Series.
Elaine Godowsky, the president of the concert series, spoke to the Harbor News about asking the Whiffs back to Clinton.
“Since this is our 20th season, we thought we would bring back many of the concerts that our audience enjoyed in the past. When we hosted the Whiffenpoofs in 2014, we could not accommodate all who wanted to attend the concert at the Town Hall.” Godowsky says the Morgan School accomodates 700, and so she hopes no one will have to be turned away this time.
The Whiffenpoof members “are special because all of these fellows give up a year of the schooling and delay their graduation just to sing with this group,” Godowsky said. “We always try to bring the best performers to our concerts with a variety of music. This way people are able to experience all kinds of music.”
Whiffenpoofs Business Manager Ian Billinge also offered reasons why residents may be interested to go to the concert.
“The Whiffenpoofs are the oldest and best known collegiate a capella group,” said Billinge, noting that the group has performed for several famous guests and at prestigious events over its more than 100-year history.
Billinge said the group has a “great repertoire of songs” spanning from oldies to current pop hits.
“It’s good for kids all the way up to seniors. We cover all the basics,” Billinge said.
“The fellows will include songs for the holiday season as well as their traditional standbys. Since this is such a festive season, we always try to have a special concert,” Godowsky said.
All the concerts in the series are provided for free thanks to a trust established by the late Clinton resident George Flynn in 1997.
Godowsky said the 20th concert series has been going well, and that there is a high demand for tickets. However, Godowsky also said that the series has experienced an issue this year with people reserving tickets they aren’t using.
“We do have a problem with people who do not call to let us know they cannot come to the concert. By not calling, others are deprived of a seat. Also, people order the maximum of four tickets and don’t use them, but don’t tell us until they arrive. That is also a way the ticket gets wasted,” said Godowsky.
Godowsky said that if people find out they cannot attend after reserved a ticket, they should call 860-669-1208.
The concert takes place at The Morgan School auditorium, 71 Killingworth Turnpike in Clinton. Free tickets can be obtained by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to George Flynn Classical Concerts, P.O. Box 473, Clinton, CT 06413 or calling 860-669-1208. The series will take the winter months off from hosting a concert, before resuming with the next concert, The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, on April 22, 2018.