Itasca to host annual holiday concert
Have you ever wanted to hear "Silent Night" sung in the popular Christmas carol's native German?
You'll get that chance during Saturday night's Itasca Family Christmas Concert at the Lutheran Church of St. Luke, 410 S. Rush St.
The 16th annual concert will feature performances by the Combined Church Choir of Itasca, the Salt Creek Sinfonietta and the Combined Handbell Choir of Itasca.
Holiday favorites will be performed along with a few of lesser-known songs, including the Lutheran carol "Hark the Glad Sound!" in honor of St. Luke's 100th anniversary celebration.
"This show is always a unique event, and a great kickoff for the holiday season," said Dan D'Andrea, music director and conductor of the combined choir.
"This year is no different," he added. "People will remember their favorites from years' past and learn what will hopefully become some new favorites."
Along with traditional and popular carols, one of the concert highlights is expected to happen when children in the audience are invited to come on stage and sing "Away in the Manger."
"It's funny that it became a tradition because the children all know and pick up that song so quickly," said Linda Aiani, the concert chairwoman.
While the concert is held at a different Itasca church every year, performers come from churches throughout the area.
Aiani said most of the singers and handbell ringers are from church choirs in Wheaton, Lombard, Addison, Wood Dale and Roselle and Chicago.
The Salt Creek Sinfonietta, a Hinsdale-based chamber orchestra based, has won awards for its innovative classical music and frequently performs at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hinsdale.
The Combined Church Choir of Itasca includes 38 members of various churches of all denominations in Itasca and has been rehearsing since early October.
When the choir started 16 years ago, D'Andrea said the group had three goals: to bring together people of different religious denominations; to present a high quality and enjoyable concert; and to raise money for area charities.
Money raised from ticket proceeds will be donated to area charities. Past concerts have raised more than $52,000 for DuPage PADS, the Itasca Food Pantry, and the Itasca Walk-in Ministry.
As for this year's performance, D'Andrea said the choir has "shaped up well" with members working hard to improve their solo and a capella pieces.
Aiani said choir members will get to review their performances when Comcast replays the concert several times in the coming weeks.
If you go …
What: Itasca Family Christmas Concert
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Lutheran Church of St. Luke, 410 S. Rush St., Itasca
Cost: Tickets at the door are $9 for adults, $3 for children ages 3 through 12. Children 2 and younger are free
Tickets: On sale at the door and at the Itasca Community Library, 500 W. Irving Park Road
Information: Call (630) 773-0396