Traditional ‘Candlelight And Carols’ Christmas Concerts Planned

The Connecticut Choral Society (CCS) under the direction of Eric Dale Knapp will present its traditional Candlelight and Carols concerts on Friday, December 11, at 8 pm, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Newtown, and at 3 pm on Saturday, December 12, at North Congregational Church in Woodbury.

The Choral Society’s holiday concerts include Daniel Pinkham’ Christmas Cantata, Mendelssohn’s Behold a Star from Jacob Shining, and John Rutter’s Candlelight Carol, as well as carols sung with the audience, and other joyful holiday selections.

Because 2009 has been such a challenging year, CCS is including even more traditional carols that people love, including “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” and the “First Nowell.” From the opening “Away in a Manger,” sung with the chorus surrounding the audience, to the lyrical “Candlelight Carol” closing, CCS is hoping its concerts will inspire its audiences with the true joys of the holiday season.

As a special addition to the concerts, Patrick Plude, a senior at Pomperaug High School who has been a member of CCS for three years, will conduct Palestrina’s Adoramus Te Christe. Next year Patrick plans to pursue a musical degree in choral conducting. All of this is the result of Maestro Knapp’s inspiration and teaching.

Additionally, this is second year the choir will sing a composition by CCS member Ron Dukenski of Goshen. “Love Came Down at Christmas” is based on a poem by Christina Rossetti (1830-1894).

Accompaniment for the concert will be provided by organ and brass.

Tickets are $20, or 10 for ages 18 and under, and are available at the door, from CCS members, at Woodbury Drugs, Villarina’s Pasta in Southbury and Newtown, or online at CTChoralSociety.org.