Founded in 1973, The Civic Chorale is celebrating its 40th anniversary throughout the 2013-14 season.
At 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, at First Presbyterian Church, 105 S. Boone St., the Chorale will present “Sounds of the Season,” a concert of seasonal compositions as well as old and new carols.
While there is no admission charge for the concert, donations will be accepted at the door, with a $10 suggested donation per person.
Highlighting the program is a setting of Mary’s song of praise, “Magnificat,” by Canadian composer Imant Raminsh.
Scored for choir, soloists and piano, this work has both passages of rhythmic complexity and passages of calm beauty.
Among other selections, the Chorale will sing several pieces including: “White Christmas,” “As Lately We Watched,” “O Come Little Children,” “Still, Still, Still,” “Pengyou, Ting” (a Chinese carol), “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and Eric Whitacre’s popular “Lux Aurumque.”
Soloists for the program will be Patty Denmark, Jill Jones and Bryant Denmark.
The Civic Chorale was founded by Robert and Jane LaPella. Over the years, the group has grown to become the region’s premiere auditioned volunteer chorus.
In addition to singing the standard choral repertoire from Gregorian chants to modern compositions, the Chorale has presented numerous world and regional premieres and frequently collaborated with other music organizations in the region, including the Symphony of the Mountains, the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra, and the East Tennessee Children’s Choir.
Since 1998, the Chorale has been led by conductor David Hendricksen.
Accompanists are Lisa Runner on piano and David Runner on organ.
For more information about The Civic Chorale, visit www.thecivicchorale.org or call Hendricksen at 638-0409 or email conductordavid@embarqmail.com.