.jpg)
The Rockbridge Chamber Singers, directed by William McCorkle, will present a concert this Sunday, Jan. 14, at 3 p.m. in the Lexington Presbyterian Church. Joining the singers will be organist Daniel Brinson of Charlottesville, formerly of Lexington, and a veteran of many choral collaborations. Soloists will include soprano Christine Fairfield; mezzo-sopranos Emma Vasquez and Christine Schadeberg; tenors Christopher Vasquez, Scott Williamson and Evan Odson; and baritone David Sorrells.
Sunday’s program, entitled “Winter Celebration: Music for Christmas and Epiphany,” will feature a kaleidoscopic array of choral miniatures for this special season. Said McCorkle, “There is no way to give proper hearing in December to most of the extraordinarily rich body of choral music for Christmas. There can only be so many December performances, at a time when everyone’s life and schedule are already overfilled. The Chamber Singers and I are delighted to offer a program of miniature masterpieces from the rich store of music for Christmas and Epiphany.”
The Singers’ repertoire on Sunday will range from Renaissance and baroque treasures by Jacob Handl and Marc-Antoine Charpentier to important staples of 20thcentury repertoire: the Christmas motets of Francis Poulenc; exquisite settings of Christmas texts by Herbert Howells, Judith Weir, John Rutter, William Mathias, John Joubert, Peter Wishart, James Whitbourn, and Kenneth Leighton, and Peter Warlock. “There is a refreshing balance between pieces sung a cappella and those with organ accompaniment,” said McCorkle.
For more than 20 years, the Rockbridge Chamber Singers, a small ensemble from within the ranks of the Rockbridge Choral Society, have presented many performances of short choral masterpieces, exploring music of many composers, national styles, and time periods. The ensemble has also functioned frequently as a semi-chorus of the larger Rockbridge Chorus in performances of extended choral works.
Advance tickets for the performance can be purchased online from the Rockbridge Choral Society website, rcs. org. Advance tickets are $12.50 per person, $35 per immediate family. Tickets will also be available at the door for $15 per person and $40 per immediate family. The Rockbridge Chorus is a part of the Rockbridge Choral Society, which receives support from area individuals, businesses, and organizations.
For more information, call (540) 460-9650.
