‘The Sounds of Christmas’ to echo through Uniontown church
The Greater Uniontown Chorale will present its 28th annual Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the sanctuary of the Third Presbyterian Church of Uniontown. The popular community choral group will join its newest addition, the Greater Uniontown Children’s Chorus, to present a varied holiday concert appropriately titled, “The Sounds of Christmas.”
A spokesman for the chorale said that the organization has traditionally presented a concert each Christmas of its 28-year history. Many of these performances were in conjunction with regional orchestras and instrumental ensembles and were presented to standing-room-only audiences.
One particular performance of Handel’s “Messiah,” performed at the State Theatre in the early 1980s, was given before a sold-out house. Earlier concerts were billed as “The chorale’s annual Christmas gift to the community.”
“The Sounds of Christmas” will be a departure from the usual State Theatre performance venue. It was decided that the 28th season would be a return to the chorale’s roots when they performed almost exclusively in the numerous beautiful churches of Uniontown.
The first concert of the 28th season in October was presented at Asbury United Methodist Church, a site that has served the chorale well over the years because of the excellent acoustical properties of the sanctuary.
“It produces a rich and vibrant choral sound,” said a spokesman about the unique sound qualities of Asbury.
This Saturday’s concert will serve up a smorgasbord of Christmas music for all palates. The concert will feature 20th century composer Daniel Pinkham in his “Christmas Cantata” for chorus, organ and brass. This will be followed by Gustav Holst’s “Christmas Day,” featuring soloists Shirle Gallik, Rebecca Sawyer and Jim Overly.
Other pieces on the second half of the program will include John Rutter’s “Jesus Child,” Mack Wilberg’s “O Bright and Shimmering Star,” “Good Day” and Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.”
The Children’s Chorus will begin the evening with a selection of carols and cradle hymns from around the world. The children will join the adults for two combined selections – “The Snow Lay on the Ground” and “Ding Dong, Merrily on High.”
William M. Dreucci is the chorale music director and conductor. Joanna Ball of Connellsville serves as accompanist. The Children’s Chorus is director by Marsha R. Brady. Brass players from the West Virginia University Creative Arts Center will also accompany.
Tickets for “The Sounds of Christmas” are available at Judy’s Do Re Me Music Shop and Window Designs by Lydia in Uniontown, Amend’s Jewelry at the Uniontown Mall and Atkins Music Store in Connellsville. They will also be available at the door. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for students. A reception will be held in the church narthex immediately following the concert. Third Presbyterian Church is located at 425 Union St. in the Craig Meadows section of Uniontown. There is plenty of parking, and the church is handicapped accessible.