Plan to attend Holiday Traditions; the North Coast Chorale annual holiday concert at the CCC Performing Arts Center (PAC) set for Saturday Dec 13 at 7pm and Sunday Dec 14 at 2pm. This year the Chorale director, Dr. Denise Reed has chosen the theme of Holiday Traditions from around the world. You will hear music from Kwanzaa, Epiphany, Chanukah, Winter Solstice, Santa Lucia, and the Eastern Orthodox tradition. The Chorale will be joined for some of the pieces by the Clatsop County Children’s Chorus, an 18 voice group of children from ages 7 to 12 who meet weekly with Dr. Reed for rehearsal and art projects, related to the music. The children will be performing a musical skit about the Legend of the Poinsettia and a Christmas Cartoon Celebration, joined by the NCC. The Chorale is accompanied by Debbie Loyd on piano, with special guest Janet Bowler, on flute.
Dr Reed is enthusiastic about the role of holiday traditions that help us commemorate the past, mark the present and anticipate the future.
She says “There are many holidays that occur during this time of year that are specific to different cultures. Holidays highlight the day to day lives of people of all cultures and reflect their history and identity. Some are marked by special food, pageants, decorations,and music. Music is an important part of most all holiday traditions. Sometimes when a song is sung that is part of a holiday celebration, we experience the feelings that surround the occasion.
We hope you enjoy the North Coast Chorale’s musical celebration of holiday traditions. Maybe listening to seasonal music will bring back memories of celebrations from your childhood, with family and friends.
**Dr. Denise Reed is grateful for a grant of $2288 from the Edith Henningsgaard Miller Fund for the Benefit of Astoria of the Oregon Community Foundation. The grant is in support of the Clatsop County Children’s Chorus.