A chorus of all ages performs 37th annual winter concert

Posted 8/21/12

WOODBOURNE, NY — Director Kevin Giroux says it will “pep people up for the holiday season.” The Sullivan County Community Chorus will present its 37th annual “Winter Concert” on Sunday, …

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A chorus of all ages performs 37th annual winter concert

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WOODBOURNE, NY — Director Kevin Giroux says it will “pep people up for the holiday season.” The Sullivan County Community Chorus will present its 37th annual “Winter Concert” on Sunday, December 15 at 2 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 6317 Rte. 42 in Woodbourne. The chorus, under the direction of Giroux with accompanist Keira Weyant, will present an exciting holiday program featuring “The Unknown Treasures of Christmas” including Daniel Pinkham’s “Christmas Cantata.” The performance will also feature pieces accompanied by brass choir and string quintet.

Conductor Giroux, also choral director at Tri-Valley Central School in Grahamsville, has chosen some well-known pieces and selections from Russian Orthodox music, Olde English and French carols, as well as contemporary and revivalist hymns. The program will feature a number of chorus soloists for a joyous afternoon of choral works.

Every concert has its own theme. In accordance with the theme this year, Giroux said they will perform six different versions of “Joy to the World” and holiday songs that may not be familiar to people, such as a soft jazz “Silent Night.” “They may be familiar with the words, but not so familiar with the tune,” he said.

Giroux has been directing the chorus for about seven years and he said the chorus has a lot of fun. “It’s definitely a hoot, we have a good time. Everybody is welcoming of everybody else. We laugh and make fun of each other all the time, in a good way,” he laughs.

The Sullivan County Community Chorus consists of members from Sullivan and Ulster counties, whose ages range from 16 to over 80 years of age. They rehearse every Wednesday in Monticello at the Presbyterian Church. Anyone can join the chorus. It is encouraged that you be familiar with what sheet music looks like, but Giroux said they take anybody and teach anybody.

Those who go to the concert can expect to be moved and feel joy from the holiday songs. “Our audience is very good and very appreciative of the concert. Last spring it was a packed house, and there were tears—they were moved.”

Performances of the Sullivan County Community Chorus are made possible in part with funds from the Sullivan County Decentralization Program, a re-grant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance.

Admission costs $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students are free, but with a suggested $10 donation. Immediately following the performance, there will be a reception open to all attending the concert. In case of inclement weather, the snow date will be Sunday, December 22 at 2 p.m. For further information contact Lucille Horton at 845/794-7869.

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