For Lee Mathews, the Everett Chorale’s artistic director and conductor, this is the season to rejoice.
So what better way to mark the chorale’s 47th season and Mathews’ 20 years leading the chorale than with “Rejoice and Sing.”
“It has been a fantastic time for me and has flown by much too quickly,” Mathews said in a prepared statement.
The “Rejoice and Sing” concert, actually two concerts, are the chorale’s annual holiday celebration and adds to the celebration of Mathews’ time with the chorale.
The chorale has been a fixture in the community since becoming affiliated with Everett Community College 47 years ago. Today, singers from all over Snohomish County are members of the chorale.
The “Rejoice and Sing” program combines traditional choral music with some holiday favorites and a holiday sing along, all backed by an orchestra.
The chorale is to start off with selections from Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio,” featuring the chorale singing, “Break Forth, O Beauteous, Heavenly.” After intermission, the chorale is to sing a medley of carols by Ralph Vaughan Williams that features “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”
Some of the best of composer Irving Berlin will follow, with a medley of Christmas songs that includes “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm,” “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep” and “White Christmas.”
These well known holiday favorites will blend with the traditional as the chorale presents Antonio Vivaldi’s popular “Gloria” for chorus, soloists and orchestra.
The concert ends with a “Holiday Sing-Along” that includes “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls.”
Other concerts to look for during the chorale’s 47th season are “Let There Be Peace” April 7 and “An American Sampler” June 9.
“Rejoice and Sing” will begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett.
Tickets are $16 and $14. Go to www.everettchorale.org or call the Everett Performing Arts Center at 425-257-8600 or 888-257-3722
Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424; goffredo@heraldnet.com.
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