Community members in St. Joseph, Missouri, will soon have the opportunity to engage in festive musical celebrations as the St. Joseph Community Chorus announces a series of holiday performances this December. The events will feature a mix of classic holiday music, allowing both audiences and participants to embrace the spirit of the season.
The first event, titled “Messiah Sing-A-Long,” is scheduled for December 13 at 15:00 and will be hosted at the First Presbyterian Church. This free showcase will highlight uplifting choruses from George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah.” Under the direction of Dr. Timothy Tharaldson and Dr. Ruth Krusemark, attendees will have the chance to join in singing the Christmas portion of this renowned oratorio, accompanied by an organ and talented soloists from the community chorus.
While singers are encouraged to bring their own scores, copies will be available for those who do not have one. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated to support future chorus initiatives.
On the following weekend, the chorus will present its beloved holiday tradition, “Christmas at the Cathedral,” with two performances on December 21 at 15:00 and December 22 at 19:00. These concerts will take place at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, located at 519 N. 10th St. This year, the chorus will collaborate with the esteemed handbell ensemble Rezound!, which boasts 15 skilled ringers performing on an impressive array of instruments, including 61⁄2 octaves of Schulmerich handbells and 6 octaves of Malmark choir chimes.
The joint performance will feature stunning arrangements such as Anna Laura Page’s “Creation Will Be at Peace,” Joel Raney’s “Christmas Is Coming,” and “Ring Out Ye Bells” by Marques L.A. Garrett, Samuel Carlton, and Dan Forrest. Admission for these performances is set at $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and free for all students.
For those interested in attending or seeking additional information about both events, the St. Joseph Community Chorus encourages visiting their website at stjoechorus.org. These performances promise to be a delightful celebration of music and community this holiday season.
