Master Chorale Ready For Its

Annual Holiday Prelude Concert

BETHEL — The Connecticut Master Chorale, under the direction of Tina Johns Heidrich, will present its annual Holiday Prelude concert at 3 pm on Sunday, November 21, at St Mary Church, 24 Dodgingtown Road.

The Chorale will perform a variety of festive songs, including spirituals, lullabies, multi-cultural numbers, 1940s swing-style, jazz, gospel and other seasonal selections to herald in the holiday season.

The concert will feature “A Christmas Fantasy” by Gordon Langford. With superb vocal harmonies and dramatic orchestration, this medley of traditional and lesser-known carols opens with exultant “glories” and builds to triumphant “noels” that are sure to fill everyone with the joy and anticipation of the holiday season.

The program will open with Mark Hayes’ energetic creation Gloria in Excelsis Deo, which proclaims “Glory to God in the Highest” with majestic fanfare and expressive choral lines. Other selections include a new composition by John Rutter, a 1940s swing style spiritual, “Tell Us ‘Bout a Baby,” a freshly minted piece with an inspired text and stirring uptempo music; “Cantemos a Maria (Let Us Sing to Mary)” and “The Light Will Come,” both highlighted with steel drums; Peter Yarrow’s iconic “Light One Candle” to celebrate Hanukkah, a Thanksgiving celebration song, an Advent number with an Israeli folk-like dance setting and a Scottish lullaby.

The Chorale will be accompanied by the Connecticut Master Chorale Holiday Brass and Joseph Jacovino, Jr on piano.

The chorale is an ensemble of 55 vocalists in their 12th year of singing in Western Connecticut. Newtown residents in the Master Chorale are Judy Bolduc, Ginnie Carey, Lisa Cedergren, David Jurman, Karen Orzechowski, Nancy Raymond, Paster Greg Wismar and Dan Yee.

Doors will open at 2:15, and additional parking for the concert is available in the upper parking lot of Bethel High School. A free shuttle bus will provide transport to and from the concert. 

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Call 203-743-0473 or visit CMChorale.org for more tickets or information.