Classic Choral Society presents "A Winter Concert"

GOSHEN — “A Winter Concert” by Classic Choral Society and Orchestra celebrates the season with music old and new, complete with a sing-along finale.

“We’ve all been through a lot this year,” commented Janiece Kohler, “so I wanted to make sure this concert would deliver music that would make the audience smile, sing, and feel good about the world again!”

As artistic director of the Classic Choral Society and Orchestra, Kohler has programmed a mixture of old and brand new, and a closing number that features what has become one of the 53-year-old chorus’ traditions – the carol sing-along with the audience.

The concert opens with Jauchzet, Frohlocket, the rousing first movement of J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (BWV248), to be followed with two works by Felix Mendelssohn: Kyrie in D Minor and Vom Himmel Hoch, based on Martin Luther’s hymn and featuring bass-baritone James Blanton and soprano Vanessa Velez Finnerty.

Kohler is particularly enthusiastic about the new music featured in the second half of the program.

“Vermont composer Gwyneth Walker’s suite 'Alpha and Omega' features fresh treatments of old melodies, 'Of the Father’s Love Begotten' and 'We Three Kings,' though the final movement, 'A Child is Born' uses a newly-composed melody," said Kohler. "I’m anxious for the audience to hear her music – it’s a refreshing treat, I think.”

Featured soloists include bass-baritone Jeffrey Knight, alto Julie Baxter, and soprano Carolyn Topliff.

Randol Bass is a contemporary composer from Texas who has been gaining recognition for his choral works. In addition to his Feast of Carols, Kohler found another Bass number to include.

“The Randol Bass piece that ends the program, 'Sing We Now of Christmas,' was actually written to include the audience! We’ll get a chance to 'share' our orchestra in a different way," said Kohler. "Bass really did a spectacular job of writing brand new material to accompany favorite, traditional Christmas carols. When the chorus and audience joins forces, I think the roof will be raised a few inches.”

There will be two opportunities to hear the concert. The first is Sunday, Dec. 16 at 4 p.m. at the Blooming Grove United Church of Christ, 2 Old Dominion Rd., Blooming Grove. The encore performance will be Saturday, Dec. 22 at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 33 Park Place, Goshen. Classic Choral Society concerts are offered free of charge. A free-will donation will be taken at intermission.

For more information, call 845-928-6462 or visit www.classicchoralsociety.org. They are also on Facebook and YouTube.