Community Chorus prepares for Christmas concerts

As the holidays and special seasons fast approach and pass, suddenly the Christmas season is upon us. And what better way to welcome it than to hear the m Mountain Community Chorus in its thirty-third annual Christmas concert. This year the two performances will be presented on Friday, December 7, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, December 9, at 3 p.m. Both performances will be in the sanctuary of the Hayesville United Methodist Church in Hayesville, N.C.

The chorus numbers sixty voices and will be accompanied in one major work by an orchestra of strings, piano and organ. That work is the wonderful "Christmas Oratorio" by Saint-Saens. Besides the great choral numbers, the work features several ensembles; solos, duet, trio, quartet and quintet. Ably rendered by soloists from the chorus. This oratorio adapts the same text as that of Handel's "Messiah", but with a French twist, sung in English, of course.

Another extended work by the chorus is a new setting of the "Magnificat", published this year by the outstanding young composer, Mark Hayes. This is a very attractive work for chorus and piano accompaniment. It features beautiful melodies, rich advanced harmonies, and a rhythm that is full of contrast, both subtle and overtly active.

As usual, the women's chorus will present a couple of beautiful pieces led by its director Laura Stooksbury, and the men's chorus will present an exciting medley of familiar carols in a setting by Howard Helvey. The Chamber Choir's offering is a loverly new set entitled "An Old English Christmas", weaving a beautiful tapestry of familiar carols from the British Isles.

The filling among the sumptuous layers consists of some traditional carol settings and some of more recent creation. All-in-all, the audiences are in for a real treat of tasty, tasteful, and tantalizing Christmas fare which will put you into the Christmas Spirit without fail. Don't miss it!

Remember the dates: Friday, Dec. 7, 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 9, at 3 p.m.