Choruses Combining Efforts To Open Woodbury Christmas Festival

WOODBURY — The Connecticut Choral Society Chamber Singers and The Naugatuck Valley Gospel Choir will present a joint concert on Friday, December 3, at 7:30 pm. The concert, the seventh time the two groups have collaborated, will mark the opening of the 2010 Woodbury Christmas Festival and the Christmas season.

The performance is open to the public and will be in the sanctuary of North Congregational Church, 11 Main Street North.

The Chamber Singers, a subset of the Connecticut Choral Society (CCS), will open the evening with selections from its a cappella repertoire including arrangements of traditional Christmas carols as well as holiday music both familiar and unusual.

The Gospel Choir is in its tenth year. Formerly part of Naugatuck Valley Community College, the choir was formed in 2000 to involve more students and attract a diverse group of singers. James Hurdle, choir director of the Zion Baptist Church in Waterbury, was approached to help establish the choir.

This group’s repertoire is rousing yet warm, including carols sung in the gospel style. The group sings modern and classic gospel songs, based on old Negro spirituals, which incorporate a jazz or rhythm and blues style. Improvisation by soloists is welcomed.

North Congregational Church is located at the intersection of Main Street (Route 6) and Route 47, across from Canfield Corners in Woodbury. Parking is available behind the church. A free will offering will be accepted, and a reception will follow the concert.

Contact Bonnie Stephens, 203-263-0788, or North Congregational Church, 203-263-2410, for additional information.