Musicians join forces for concert of classic carols at ECC

The Christmas season comes with plenty of cheer, and what better way to get in the holiday spirit than to attend a concert by the Elgin Choral Union in collaboration with the Elgin Youth Symphony Youth Orchestra?

"A Proper English Christmas" is a collection of English Christmas carols arranged or written by the British composers Vaughn Williams, Gerald Finzi and John Rutter.

"There's a lot of really beautiful Christmas music that comes from the U.K.," said Randal Swiggum, the EYSO music director and youth symphony conductor. "That's sort of special to do a whole holiday concert that's all English music."

The chorus usually performs with an orchestra, but combining with the youth symphony is something different. ECU member Alison Bleick hopes to inspire the youth to carry on with their talent.

"We serve as role models," said Bleick, "and (we show) that they can have that passion for music as adults."

Chorus member Robert Acker agrees, and enjoys the sense of togetherness that comes from playing with local groups.

"We've collaborated with them in the past and have been very impressed with their playing," said Acker. "I think it's great that we can make these kinds of collaborations with other community groups."

The concert will include such well-known Christmas carols as "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "The First Noel," as well as original carols by John Ritter. One in particular, "Donkey Carol," is sure to put a unique spin on the concert.

Jennifer Bolino, executive director of Elgin Choral Union, is looking forward to the uniqueness the piece will bring to the concert.

"I would like to guess we are the only choir that is singing a carol to a donkey," Bolino said.

Elgin Choral Union performs a Christmas concert every year, but the last time they collaborated with the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra was in 2005. Both the chorus and the orchestra will be conducted by Andrew Lewis, the Elgin Choral Union conductor.

Lewis is looking forward to the variety of pieces, as well as the talent of the music groups.

"We are able to do the kind of music that a lot of choral organizations around the area can't do," Lewis said. "It's wonderful music that makes people feel really great to listen to it."

Audience members are asked to bring a nonperishable food item to be donated to the All People's Interfaith Food Pantry in Elgin.

There will also be a sing-along at the end of the show.

"It's a busy time of year, and sometimes in the flurry and bustle of your schedule it's hard to slow down and remember what the Christmas season is all about," Bolino said. "A concert like this really helps us get in touch with all those emotions and remember what's really important in the Christmas season."