Here’s one lady whose joy in her craft never gets old, even after two decades of conducting. Choral Society Director Carol Allen reminisces, “this is the twenty-second Christmas Concert which the Choral Society has prepared. That’s amazing to me! The musical scores, the beauty of the voices, the enthusiasm of the singers, the quality of the accompaniment, all remain fresh and new to us each season, just as the message about the newborn King in Bethlehem. And Christmas Concert has an irresistible pull for our audiences! Many say ‘this is how I get my Christmas started!’ You will have only two opportunities to experience this holiday event, so be sure and get your tickets online, at any of the banks or from our singers, and be there!”
Besides the soprano, alto, tenor and bass singers who come from all walks of life, the music is supported by talented accompanists. Ken Hanushek and Denise Stewart are pianists, Deanna Spraggins plays keyboard and Paul Clark is percussionist, and each of these regular members attend rehearsal every Monday night of the 15 weeks of concert preparation. During the final weeks, additional accompanists also attend rehearsals. Ben Scarborough, Kelley Fletcher, Jeff Smith and Dave Kirkpatrick are members of a nine-piece orchestra which will add richness to the holiday performance. Also, a small children’s choir will join in two selections and the finale. Carol added, ‘the first half of the concert will tell the lighthearted stories of Christmas, about Santa Claus, the festive times and the customs of the holiday around the world. Then following intermission, get back in your seats for the concert’s second half, as it conveys the story of the birth of Christ, the light he brought into the world and the joy and peace his birth makes possible for all of mankind. We feel the audience will be spellbound, that you can hear a pin drop, as our singers and musicians interpret both beloved traditional and original new compositions of this most blessed time of year”.
At this concert, audiences will be treated to the vocal teamwork of Christie Springfield and Paul Clark, a comedic ensemble performance of “Please Come Home for Christmas” featuring Peggy Simmons, a marvelous duet by Marlon Chisom and Maryann Rawson, and the debut presentation of a choral composition written and performed by soprano choir member Vicki Smolek.
The ‘Hearts Come Home for Christmas’ concert on December 7 and 8 will be recorded for playback on Cable Channel 18 TV. Also, the upcoming Spring Concert to be staged in May 2020 will be an all-spiritual, all-sacred presentation sure to touch your heart!
