The Western Carolina Community Chorus will present a varied program of music on Sunday, November 24 at 3 pm in the Sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Sylva. The concert is free and open to the public. The ensemble is celebrating 50 years of music making during this season.
Organized in 1970 by Dr. James Dooley for performances of Handel's MESSIAH in Cullowhee and Waynesville, the chorus has provided singing opportunities for interested choristers, and has delighted audiences in the region with over 100 concerts.
Robert Holquist assumed leadership of the ensemble in September, 2011. Barbara Dooley has served as accompanist from the formation of the chorus, and she is joined by Lorie Meservey for works written for organ, and four-hand piano accompaniments.
This fall, most of the music which you will hear was selected by members of the ensemble. It includes many styles of music, both sacred and secular. Some of them include "How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place" by Brahms, a medley of tunes from Rodgers' and Hammerstein's CAROUSEL, "Praise to the Lord," arranged by the famous F. Melius Christiansen, and "The Majesty and Glory of Your Name" by Tom Fettke. One of Handel's large-scale anthems, "Zadok the Priest," will be heard, fulfilling a request by three chorus members to sing "something by Handel."
Our church has often hosted this ensemble, and your presence and support has be appreciated. In addition to Bob's and Lorie's leadership, our church is represented by Jay Coward, tenor; Diana Fisher, soprano, Emily Whitaker, flute; and Bruce Frazier, composer of "Tidings of the Season."
The chorus is supported by WCU, the NC Arts Council, and the Jackson County Arts Council, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. We hope to see you in the audience!