SHELBURNE FALLS — The Recital Chorus will present its 30th annual Holiday Concert on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Church, located at 17 Severance St. Margery Heins will conduct the program of seasonal vocal and choral music.
The chorus will present traditional carols and music from the 15th century to the present, according to Heins. Music will include two versions of “Brightest and Best,” “Deck the Halls,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain” arranged by John Work, “The Coventry Carol,” “Ose Shalom” by John Leavitt and “Jubilate Deo” by Agostino Agazzari.
Soloists and small groups will perform two arias by J.S. Bach, a Palestrina motet and “He Shall Feed His Flock” from Handel’s Messiah. According to Heins, soloists include Vicki St. Amand, Jenny Kilgore and Nancy Blickenstaff.
Most of the singers in the Recital Chorus are private voice students of Heins who study with her at her studio in Shelburne Falls. They learn solos in their lessons and also focus on the importance of small ensemble singing as they become members of the Recital Chorus.
Heins is also director of the GCC Community Chorus and director of the Ashfield Congregational Church Choir. Henry Gaida, organist at Our Lady of Czestochowa in Turners Falls, will accompany at the piano and organ.
This is the first of two public concerts planned for the Recital Chorus in 2025-2026. While the program is free, donations (cash or check) will be accepted at the door to benefit
the GCC and Hilltown Churches food pantries.