Alleluias will ring out as the 90-voice Chester River Chorale heralds Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa with its 21st annual presentation of A Chester River Holiday, celebrating the season of jubilation, good will, and awe with songs of reverence, remembrance, and a plea for peace.
For the sixth year in a row, the treble voices of the Chester River Youth Choir, now under the direction of Kimberly Kalicky, will join in for the celebration in the beautiful sanctuary of the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown for two performances, the first at 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 13, and the second at 4 p.m. Saturday, December 14.
“There’s something for everybody in this program,” said Chorale Artistic Director Douglas Cox. “Programming for A Chester River Holiday is one of my favorite things to do because of the many musical possibilities it offers. The holiday season brings out an array of music from many faith traditions, as well as secular favorites that are ever present in the American holiday experience.”
Strings, oboe, flute, harp, percussion, organ, and piano are among the instruments backing the singers, who will start the concert with a rousing “Caroling, Caroling, now we go: Christmas bells are ringing,” and end it solemnly with, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”
Songs celebrating the humble nativity in Bethlehem, along with some popular seasonal standards such as Sleigh Ride are included, a few of which the audience just might be asked to join in on.
Assistant Director Stephanie LaMotte, who also serves as the Chorale’s accompanist, will direct two pieces when she is not playing the piano or organ.
The centerpiece of the program are three pieces on the Star of Bethlehem ranging from foot-stomping Gospel to a modern arrangement of a 19th century hymn.
Three pieces will be in Latin, the Kyrie and Gloria from a Franz Schubert mass, and Gaudete, a spirited Medieval song of rejoicing at the birth of Christ, in which the Youth Choir will join the Chorale.
The Chester Chamber Singers, an auditioned subset of the Chorale, will start their set with the Youth Choir singing about the eight candles of Hanukkah, and then move on to songs ranging from the haunting In the Bleak Midwinter to the joyful Good Ale.
Suggested donations at the door are $20. No tickets will be sold. The Chorale has been performing to full houses for the past several years, so patrons are urged to come at least 15 minutes early to be assured of being seated.
Chorale members are amateur singers drawn mainly from Kent and Queen Anne’s counties. If you love to sing, come join us in January for our upcoming 22nd anniversary season. No audition is required.
The Chester River Chorale is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization funded in part by the Kent County Arts Council and by an operating grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.
The CRC’s mission is to provide opportunity and inspiration for amateur singers to strive for artistic excellence. CRC performances entertain diverse audiences and enrich the cultural life of the community. For more information, visit www.chesterriverchorale.org or call 410–928-5566.
