Community Chorus Delivers Diverse Program Led by Artistic Director Elijah Botkin
READING, MA – The Reading Community Singers (RCS) delivered a captivating performance with their spring concert, “For the Beauty of the Earth,” on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center. Under the artistic direction of Boston-based conductor and arranger Elijah Botkin and accompanied by pianist Joseph Beninati, the concert showcased a rich blend of classical, spiritual, and contemporary music.
Botkin, who has an extensive background in choral music, brought his expertise to the RCS stage as the Spring Artistic Director. A Northeastern University alumnus, Botkin’s accomplishments include directing the NU Madrigal Singers and composing award-winning arrangements for a cappella group Distilled Harmony. His passion for bringing choral music to life was evident throughout the evening, as he led the choir through a program that featured everything from John Rutter’s “For the Beauty of the Earth” to Bob Dylan’s iconic “Blowin’ in the Wind.”
Beninati, a longtime accompanist and a staple in the North Shore theater community, provided exceptional piano accompaniment throughout the concert. A 1978 graduate of Reading High School, Beninati has spent decades supporting regional theater and ballet productions with his musical talents.
The evening also featured a standout performance by Paige Martino, the 2025 recipient of the RCS Scholarship. Martino, a senior at Lynnfield High School and future Boston College student, graced the stage with performances of “Lost in the Brass,” “She Used to Be Mine,” and “The Name of the Game,” earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The concert program included a diverse array of choral selections, ranging from Broadway hits arranged by Kirby Shaw to spirituals like “Wade in the Water,” arranged by Mark Hayes. Tenor Richard Knowles and sopranos Barbara Homewood and Laura Rodgers delivered memorable solo performances, while Rod Chandler, RCS President, led the evening’s welcome and scholarship presentation.
Founded in 1919, Reading Community Singers is one of the oldest continuously running community choruses in the nation. The group continues its mission to bring excellent choral music to Reading and its surrounding communities while supporting youth in pursuing music education through their annual scholarship program.
The Reading Community Singers will return to the stage this December for their annual Holiday Concert, promising another evening of festive music and community spirit.
For more information about upcoming performances or to support the RCS mission, visit www.ReadingCommunitySingers.org.
