The Vallejo Choral Society is set to showcase its 108th season with a series of holiday performances titled “Carols and Lullabies.” The concerts will take place on December 9 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Benicia and on December 10 at the Springbrook Masonic Temple in Vallejo. This festive program highlights the ensemble’s commitment to uniting and inspiring its community through innovative music-making.
According to Rebecca Gulick, the society’s vice president, the upcoming performances exemplify the ensemble’s mission. The program features two celebrated Christmas choral collections, with the VCS Symphonic Choir under the direction of Julia Morris. Among the selections is Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols,” described by Gulick as “a shimmering, harp-infused masterpiece.” This work includes traditional English poems from the 15th and 16th centuries, featuring songs such as “That yonge child” and “In the Freezing Winter Night.”
The choral tradition in Great Britain is notable for its depth and history, contributing significantly to the global choral repertoire. Alongside Britten’s work, the concert will also present Conrad Susa’s “Carols & Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest.” Gulick characterizes this piece as a vibrant collection of carols from Spanish-speaking regions, complementing Britten’s classic. Performers for this segment include skilled instrumentalists such as David Dieni on marimba, Zane Mallett on harp, and David Tanenbaum on guitar.
The VCS Chamber Choir will offer a diverse selection, featuring pieces like “Noel Nouvelet,” a traditional French carol, and the popular Ukrainian folk song “Shchedryk,” the melody of which is widely recognized as the “Carol of the Bells.” Gulick highlights the emotional connection that Christmas carols have with audiences, noting their roots in ancient winter solstice songs and early Christian hymns, and how they evoke nostalgia and cherished memories.
The Vallejo Choral Society produces five concerts each season. This weekend’s performances are part of a series that includes two additional concerts in May and a gala fundraiser scheduled for March 15, 2024. The upcoming gala will feature the cantata “I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes” by Adolphus Hailstork, further showcasing the society’s commitment to enriching the local cultural landscape.
With over 50 singers from across Solano County, the ensemble draws participants from various locations, including Vallejo, Benicia, Fairfield, and Vacaville. The group’s members span a wide range of ages, from Gen Z to nonagenarians, reflecting a rich tapestry of community involvement. Rehearsals for “Carols and Lullabies” commenced in early September, with Morris leading the choir through the preparation process.
Gulick commended Morris for her dynamic leadership and ability to prepare non-auditioned singers for performance readiness in just three months. The society invites new singers to join its ranks, emphasizing inclusivity and community engagement. Interested individuals can find more information by visiting vallejochoral.org.
For those wishing to attend the performances, details are as follows:
– **What:** Vallejo Choral Society presents “Carols and Lullabies”
– **When and Where:**
– 7 p.m. on December 9 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 120 East J St., Benicia
– 3 p.m. on December 10 at Springbrook Masonic Temple, 101 Temple Way, Vallejo
– **Tickets:** $20 in advance; $30 at the door; students with ID enter for free
– **Contact:** Phone: 707-653-6827, Email: [email protected]
The Vallejo Choral Society’s upcoming holiday concerts promise to be a memorable celebration of community and music, continuing its long-standing tradition of bringing people together through song.
