Vancouver USA Singers kick off season

Posted

Vancouver USA Singers, directed by Jana Hart and accompanied by Laurie Chinn, are preparing to present the first concert of their 2014-15 season, entitled “Ceremony of Carols.” 

The 2014-2015 season will continue with “Vancouver USA Singers Off Broadway” featuring soloists and ensembles from within the group in March of 2015 and conclude with “Celestial Voices” in June of 2015. Season tickets are on sale now at their website.

Vancouver Singers is a volunteer mixed-voice chorus that is dedicated to their mission “to present significant works of sacred and secular choral music; inspire and uplift audiences through quality performances of artistic excellence; and promote appreciation and enjoyment of choral music in a caring, nurturing environment.”

All walks of life are represented in the choir’s membership with ages ranging from as young as 18 to over 80 years. The group just completed their 50th year as a community choir in Vancouver during their 2013-2014 season. There were many celebrations including a Thanksgiving holiday concert featuring an oratorio composed especially for Vancouver Singers 50th Anniversary by Henry Mollicone entitled, “All God’s Children.”

The choir’s 50th Anniversary Season culminated with a performance in Carnegie Hall featuring “The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass” by Carol Barnett on June 8.

“Ceremony of Carols” will be a holiday concert that will feature a collection of holiday pieces including “For Unto Us a Child is Born” from the Messiah, “Silent Night,” and “Glory, Glory to the New Born King.” The choir will also perform such classics as Whitacre’s “ Lux Arumque” and “Serenity” by Ola Gjeilo which will also feature cellist Britta Horlings.

Vancouver USA Singers will welcome the Battle Ground High School Jazz Choir to the stage for a few holiday favorites. The highlight of the concert will be Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols featuring Kate Petak on harp. 

The Vancouver USA Singers also announced the 2015 High School Scholarship. The winning candidates will receive $1,000 from the organization, as well as a performance slot in their March concert. Application forms can be downloaded at www.vancouverusasingers.org and must be completed by December 5, 2014 at 3 p.m.

“Ceremony of Carols” will be held on Sat., Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main Street, Vancouver.



Tickets are available at Beacock’s Music, Music World, at the door, and at  www.vancouverusasingers.org. Admission is $17 for advance tickets or $20 when purchased at the door and children 12 and under get in free. Season tickets are available on the group’s website for $45.

AT A GLANCE

What: Ceremony of Carols

Who: Vancouver USA Singers, a community choir

Where: First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main Street, Vancouver, WA

When: Sat., Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 14 at 3 p.m.

Cost: General admission $17 in advance, $20 at the door, children 12 and under are free, Season Tickets available online $45

Tickets: Beacock’s Music, Music World, and www.vancouverusasingers.org