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The Rockbridge Chorus, directed by William McCorkle, will present its annual Holiday Concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in the Lexington Presbyterian Church.
As in previous years, the evening will begin with a community carol sing at 7:15.
“Sharing this tradition of singing with, and performing for, our wonderful community audience is a cherished experience for the chorus,” said McCorkle. “It is a wonderful way to open a new chorus season.
This year’s program includes Choral Society favorites from recent years as well as a number of pieces new to many in the group. Repertoire will include compositions on Christmas and winter texts, and a wide array of carol settings. Pianists for the concert will be Anna Billias and William McCorkle. Vocal soloists will be soprano Christine Fairfield; mezzosoprano Emma Bowler; and tenor Scott Williamson; and baritones David Sorrells and Michael McLaughlin.
Favorite songs from the chorus’ recent – or not so recent – repertoire include Martin Lauridsen’s luxurious “O Magnum Mysterium”; Gerald Cohen’s hauntingly lovely “Adonai Roi”; Michael Head’s rich harmonic treatment, “The Little Road to Bethlehem”; Andy Beck’s classic arrangement of Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride”; John Rutter’s classic setting of “What Sweeter Music”; Herbert Howells’ intimate and subtle “Here Is the Little Door”; Paul Manz’s ever popular “E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come”; Robert Roth’s eloquent “Summer in Winter”; William Mc-Corkle’s “What Is the Crying at Jordan”; and two works by the great singer/conductor/ composer Bob Chilcott, his vibrant “Nova, Nova,” an exciting present-day Renaissance dance song, and the intense setting of the African-American spiritual, “Remember, O Thou Man.”
Advance tickets for the performance can be purchased online from the Rockbridge Choral Society website at rcs. org - $12.50 per person and $35 for immediate family. Tickets will also be available at the door at $15 per person and $40 for immediate family.
The Rockbridge Chorus is a part of the Rockbridge Choral Society, which receives support form area individuals, businesses, and organizations. For more information, call (540) 460-9650.
