Philharmonic Orchestra, Community Chorus plan annual Christmas concert

The Marshall Philharmonic Orchestra and the Marshall Community Chorus, seen here at their 2008 concert, will collaborate again during the Philharmonic's annual Christmas concert Sunday, Dec. 6.
(Eric Crump/Democrat-News)

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This is the one time of year that the talents of the Philharmonic and Marshall Community Chorus are combined.

Together, with more than 70 years of music-making experience, this year promises to be a joyous celebration. The concert will be held Sunday, Dec. 6, at 2:30 p.m. in the Harold L. Lickey Auditorium at Bueker Middle School.

A wide variety of Christmas music from classical to popular will appeal to all tastes and certainly set the mood for the Christmas season.

The orchestra, under the direction of Kevin Lines, will perform "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "O Holy Night" and a beautiful rendition of "Silent Night" featuring Marshall native Russell Gann on cello, titled "All is Calm."

Other highlights for the orchestra will be the rich and sonorous Alfred Reed melody "Russian Christmas Music" and the spirited Leroy Anderson original "Sleigh Ride."

Joint ventures on the program include a contemporary medley, "Christmas Bells Are Ringing," arranged in 2005 by Mark Hayes.

This festive medley incorporates "Ding! Dong! Merrily on High," "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" and "Carol of the Bells." A new selection for the pops concert will include a work by renowned vocal composer Joseph Martin called "The Winter Rose." This piece was commissioned in honor of Rev. Carl M. Peters II, associate pastor for worship and music ministries at Ancient City Baptist Church in St. Augustine, Fla., in recognition of his faithful service to the church and to the community of St. Augustine. A third joint effort on the program will be a traditional work for chorus and brass, "Sing Choirs of Angels," arranged by Jay Althouse.

The chorus will perform a portion of the concert under the direction of Ron Sayer, accompanied by pianist Julie Lewis. Among these selections will be the traditional 19th Century English carol "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day," "On This Quiet Night" and "Rejoice and Be Merry."

The finale of the December concert, the "Hallelujah" chorus from Handel's "Messiah," has become a long-standing tradition for Marshall's musical community as well as for communities worldwide. This work truly captures the spirit of the season in one glorious flourish of musical genius.

The public is cordially invited and encouraged to attend this concert of celebration.

Come out and show support for the local community's most talented musicians and truly feel the Christmas spirit.

Admission to the concert is free, but concert organizers ask guests to bring a donation of canned goods or other nonperishable food items to support Community Food Pantry.