NEWBURYPORT — The Newburyport Choral Society (NCS) will perform its annual Winter Concert on Saturday evening, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoon, Dec. 10, at 2:30 p.m. at the Belleville Congregational Church.
“A Celebration of Unity: Holiday Songs from Around the World” will present music from different cultures and countries expressing the joy of the holiday season. The 100-plus member chorus will sing songs in several different languages including English, Middle English, Spanish, Hebrew, Tagalog, Latin, and Swahili. The concert program will include English translations for all the foreign texts being sung.
“It is so heartening to see how music can unify many different cultures in the spirit of joy,” says Dr. Minji Kim, who will take the podium for the first time as NCS music director since assuming the title this past July. “I am very excited to see the effect that the different rhythms, words, and melodies will have on the audiences — it’s going to be fun!”
The choral program includes an enchanting Spanish lullaby, a spirited Moroccan Chanukah composition, a joyous African Kwanzaa song of celebration, a heartfelt Filipino Christmas carol, and the timeless classic “A Ceremony of Carols” by Benjamin Britten.
“Just as our music program reflects diverse cultures, all the singers and performers have had a tapestry of unique and different life experiences,” Dr. Kim says. “Yet, we will all come together, harmonizing our hearts and voices to present this special music.”
Joining with the chorus again this year will be the Greater Newburyport Children’s Chorus (GNCC), conducted by Music Director and founder Gina McKeown. It will perform several holiday-themed choral compositions for young voices.
“It’s always such a pleasure to include the GNCC in our concerts,” NCS President Victoria Bushey says. “They always win over the hearts of our audiences, and the hearts of the adult singers, too.”
As usual, a professional music ensemble will accompany both the adult and children’s choruses. This year, the instruments will include piano, harp, as well as percussion instruments.
“I love the variety and scope of this program,” adds Bushey. “It will be one of our most memorable and joyful holiday concerts.”
For more information and tickets, visit www.newburyportchoralsociety.org.
