Celebrate the Christmas Season with The Festival Chorus
The Festival Chorus, under the direction of Greg Tipps, will present its Christmas Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at the Harper Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. The chorus is accompanied by a professional orchestra and will sing a variety of holiday music.
The concert begins with "Celebrate the Season: A Christmas Cantata" written by Joel Raney. A blending of narration, classical carols and a wide range of musical styles celebrate the ancient stories along with the wonders and joys of the modern season. This piece is a treat of surprises.
"Shepard's Pipe Carol" by John Rutter opens the second half of the concert. In this selection, music and lyrics tell the story of a boy on his way to Bethlehem to play pipes for the Christ child. Rutter was just a boy of 18 himself when he wrote this piece, the beginning of a long career.
"He, Watching Over Israel" taken from Felix Mendelssohn's cantata "Elijah", tells the story of one of the Old Testament's most revered prophets. With closed eyes, one will easily imagine the angels whose voices come to console Elijah in his time of difficulty.
A refreshingly different piece of music, "Winter Dreams" paints a scene of lightness and beauty and, most of all, the wonder of snow. Originally commissioned by iSing Valley Girlchoir, it was created by Pinkzebra, the pseudonym of a successful music producer and composer.
The program rounds out with "A Feast of Carols", arranged by Randol Alan Bass. This medley of well-known carols is guaranteed to bring smiles to the faces of all in the audience, and send them home humming familiar tunes and feeling the of the joy of the holiday season.
Tickets for this concert disappear fast, so it is recommended that you order yours ASAP. Prices are $18 for general admission, $12 for Harper students, faculty and staff, as well as senior citizens. Non-Harper students are charged $15 and children 12 and under are free. Contact harpercollege.edu/boxoffice or call (847) 925-6100.
The Festival Chorus is always looking for more voices to join the group. If you are interested in singing this spring, contact Marcy Heston at president@festivalchorus.org for information. Rehearsals begin for the Spring Concert on Monday, January 14, at Harper College