Sun City Chorus and Orchestra presents “Sing Hallelujah!”
Celebrate Christmas and the holidays with the Sun City Chorus and Orchestra’s “Sing Hallelujah!”
The program will feature traditional carols, contemporary arrangements, and gospel-inspired selections that reflect the joy and wonder of the season. Musical Director Art Hansen will conduct the 60- to 70-member chorus and professional orchestra, with Assistant Director Lorraine Hansen accompanying on piano.
Performances are scheduled for Dec. 4th, 5th and 6th at 7 p.m., and Dec. 7th at 2:30 p.m. The concerts are open to Sun City residents, guests, and the wider community.
Art’s entertaining, informative comments intersperse the two-hour program of traditional and contemporary musical selections. A sit-up-and-pay-attention rendition of “Little Town,” by Chris Eaton, with additional words and music by Joshua Spacht, opens the program. “Emmanuel Medley,” arranged and orchestrated by Lari Gross, follows with its news, “Born is the King, rejoice!”
Three other traditional selections, “Silent Night,” arranged by Dan Forest, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” another Joshua Spacht arrangement, and “The First Noel,” arranged by Jay Rouse, continue to tell the Christmas story.
For a change of pace, the contemporary, easy-going gospel tune, “We Need a Little Love,” is timely and encouraging. Closing the first half of the program is “Sing Noel, Sing Hallelujah,” written by Michael W. Smith and David Hamilton.
Kicking off the program’s second half, the upbeat, fun tune, “We Wish You the Merriest,” written by Les Brown and recorded by Frank Sinatra, convinces the performers and audience alike to “Deck the hall, we’re gonna have a ball!”
Art and Lorraine Hansen are known for their ability to use many styles of music to tell a story. Following the jolly opening number is a spectacular Spacht arrangement of “O Holy Night” that soars and assures. The favorite “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” is next and is followed by “Pat-a-Pan-Salsa” with its joyful salsa-dancing groove. The story continues with “Do You Hear What I Hear?” and a moving arrangement of “It Is Well With My Soul.”
Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus,” climaxes the program. The Orchestra performs two special selections alone, “Overture to a Winter Celebration,” and “A Most Wonderful Christmas.”
When asked what is satisfying to him about this program, Art replies, “The music expresses the emotion of the time. When we hear it, it sort of brings it out of ourselves. It brings us together a little bit. But the important part is getting the message to the audience. That’s really what the diction’s about, the singing and pitches, it’s about getting the words out so that people understand. And so it’s all about communication.”
Many Chorus members agree with Art that singing Christmas and holiday music is a special experience. Singer Tammy Estrada says, “Being able to do something I love on a regular basis and bringing joy to the people who attend the concerts is so rewarding.”
Chris Rivello adds, “Singing makes me happy. And I like the challenge of making beautiful music. Sometimes when we sing, I get shivers!” Speaking for many others in the group, Gary Gehlhoff shares that his participation in the Chorus has taught him that “learning to really ‘make music’ has been an unexpected bonus.”
Tickets are $28 for the holiday concert or $26 each when purchased as part of the holiday and spring concert series.
Tickets are available online at www.SCHHChorus.org, by phone at 843-941-9729, or by email at suncitytix@gmail.com. They may also be purchased at the Magnolia Hall Box Office on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 11 a.m.
