One of my favorite parts of the Christmas holiday season is the music: everything from childhood classics like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer to the chillingly beautiful Silent Night. But nothing, I mean nothing, compares to Handel’s Messiah with the Hallelujah Chorus. And lucky for me, there is a group in town who is performing Messiah this holiday season, the Huntsville Community Chorus Association (HCCA). In fact, they’re performing THIS Friday night!

The Music

Let’s get down to what really matters in concert: the music. I recently spoke to Mary Ann Bishop, a board member for the HCCA, who filled me in on the night’s musical selections.

“Come and enjoy the spirit of Christmas with classical favorites, familiar carols and holiday songs. This concert will feature one of the most beloved of choral masterworks, a glorious presentation of MESSIAH, Part I plus the Hallelujah Chorus, presented by the 150+ voices of the Symphonic Chorus of the Huntsville Community Chorus, our marvelous soloists — and featuring The Huntsville Youth Orchestra!”

Looking for specifics? I got those too. Here’s a sneak peak at some of the night’s selections:

Part One of Handel’s Messiah, including the Hallelujah Chorus.
O Holy Night
Corelli’s Christmas Concerto (Concerto Grosso in G Minor)
Joy to the World
And other festive melodies

No matter what you’re preference in Christmas music, I’d bet that Friday’s concert will have something you’ll enjoy. Because anything sung by the Symphonic Chorus of the HCCA, is bound to be spectacular.

And I would know. I recently attended one of their rehearsals and let me tell you, this group is gonna bring it on Friday night!

The Folks

Did I mention that by “group” what I really meant was 150+ singers accompanied by the Huntsville Youth Orchestra (HYO)? Now that is how I always imagine The Messiah being performed!

The Chorus performs under the baton of Chorusmaster Billy Orton with Joseph “Joe” Lee leading the HYO as both Music Director and Conductor. The night will feature several soloists, which I’m told range from HCCA veteran performers to newcomers.

Again, I’m guessing you’ll want some specifics:

James Desta, Tenor
Michael Boyer, Bass
Aleah Hyman-Faulkner, Alto
Tom Guffin, Bass
Davonia Galbraith, Soprano
Gloria Ko, Soprano
Anne Chelekis, Alto,
Patricia Kennedy, Soprano

I also learned that the night’s ushers will be the parents and members of the Youth Chorale. While they are not performing, these folks are still supporting HCCA. Now that’s the holiday spirit!

About HCCA

The Huntsville Community Chorus Association (HCCA) was established in 1946 and is Huntsville’s first performing arts organization. They are a non-profit, all-volunteer community organization, housing several ensembles, choruses and musical theatre groups.

As part of HCCA’s mission to educate and foster choral singing in the community, they have programs for children, scholarships for young adults, variety of ensembles for adults, and musical theatre opportunities each year. To learn more about HCCA, visit their website.

HCCA Groups:

The Chorus – Adult Symphonic Chorus (auditioned)
The Chamber Chorale – a premier chorale
Huntsville Community Children’s Chorus – comprised of two ensembles: Children’s Chorale, and Youth Chorale
Musical Theatre – all auditioned and open to the community, HCCA produces one large musical each year

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Event Details

Date: Friday, November 30, 2012
Time: 7:30pm
Location: First Baptist Church – Sanctuary
Cost: $18 for Adults; $5 in advance for college students; $10 for college students at the door. Free: High school students, children 12 and under (with a]paid adult)
Tickets: To purchase tickets call the box office at 256-533-6606 or visit the HCCA office at 3312 Long Avenue, SW (Fantasy Arts Center)