Explore 'Christmas Around the World' with Heartland Voices Dec. 17-18
Heartland Voices, an Elgin-based adult choral ensemble, presents its 18th season Christmas program, "This Christmastide - Christmas Around the World," at 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. in Elgin, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, 10805 Main St. in Huntley.
The Christmas candlelight service at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 in Elgin and the 3 p.m. Dec. 18 concert in Huntley will feature Christmas music from around the world.
The origin of the music spans the globe from the U.S. to Russia from Europe to Africa and South America. They will present the music of many different composers and arrangers including Stacey Gibbs' African-American spiritual "Ain't That-A Rockin", the Welsh carol "Deck the Hall," arranged by Jocelyn Hagen, the traditional French carol, "Il Est Ne" with a fresh arrangement by Mark Hayes, and a traditional Venezuelan folk song, "Nino Lindo."
The popular Disney movie "Frozen" was inspired by the Danish author Hans Christian Anderson's "The Snow Queen." They will offer a short medley of two selections, one in the Norse language of the Vikings.
Spain, England and Central Africa provide the inspiration for "Riu, Riu, Chiu", "Twelve Days of Christmas" and "Noel."
Continuing the 17-year tradition, Heartland Voices will conclude the concert with the traditional presentation of Donald Frazer's "This Christmastide."
The 3 p.m. concert in the beautifully decorated sanctuary of First UMC will feature the fine young singers of Dundee Middle School Choirs, Bella Voca and Men's Ensemble under the direction of Mona Roy. Heartland Voices will present an abbreviated version of the candlelight concert still capturing the spirit and moods of this special Christmas season.
This is a wonderful way to begin Christmas week.
Tickets are $10 for the Saturday afternoon concert and $18 or $15 for children and seniors for the Saturday evening concert. The Sunday concert is freewill donation.
For details, call (847) 429-9486 or visit www.heartlandvoices.org.