Charis Chamber Voices celebrates the holidays with Benjamin Britten’s classic A Ceremony of Carols, Gabriel Faure’s soaring Tantum Ergo, and Franz Liszt’s dramatic Hymn to the Virgin Mary, all with organ and harp. Excerpts from Bach cantatas and old and new songs of the season round out the program. Artistic Director Jeremy Wiggins conducts.
Two concerts are scheduled in area churches: on Saturday, December 10 at 4:00 p.m. at Bedford Presbyterian Church, Village Green, Bedford, NY, and Sunday, December 11, at 4:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan, 178 Oenoke Ridge Road, New Canaan, CT.
Charis is an auditioned chorus of about 30 men and women from Westchester County, NY, and Fairfield County, CT. Founded in 1994, the group is renowned for its diverse repertoire, unique blend of voices and captivating performances. Dr. Wiggins is Assistant Professor of Music, Coordinator of Choral Activities and Graduate Studies, at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.
In the tradition of Charis Christmas concerts, the audience will be invited to join in carol singing and there will be a wine and cheese reception after the concert.
Tickets are $25 ($20 for seniors and $15 for students). They may be purchased in advance through the Charis website, www.charisvocals.com, or at the door.
Note: Charis’s singers have all received Covid-19 vaccinations. Masks are optional.