Waimea chorus gearing up for 19th holiday season

Waimea Community Chorus will begin its fall season with registration and a rehearsal at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at St. James Episcopal Church in Waimea.

The group will present three holiday performances, Dec. 14, 15 and 16, at the Parker School Theatre.

New members are welcome at the registration and no audition is required, but a commitment to attend the Tuesday rehearsals and other activities during the season is essential. The first three weeks of the season are open to anyone, however, anyone attending rehearsals Sept. 11 and thereafter must join the group and pay applicable membership fees. More information about the organization, including a calendar of rehearsal and performance dates, is available at waimeacommunitytheatre.org.

This year’s concert will combine traditional and modern Christmas music in an original and intriguing juxtaposition. The first half of the concert will feature the classical Christmas canticle “Magnificat” by John Rutter. Director Barbara Kopra said the piece will make the group shine, despite its challenging nature.

The concert’s second half features medleys of traditional carols, and modern Santa songs will mix with Hanukkah songs and a musical setting of “The Night Before Christmas.”

The chorus is accompanied in its performances by a group of musicians, featuring Waimea pianist Everett Knowles.

More information about the chorus is available by contacting the chorus manager, Miguel Bray, at 938-3062 or by visiting the group’s Facebook page.