Carols of Comfort and Joy December 4, 2010

New carols. Old carols. Carols you know by heart. Carols that give comfort and carols that spread joy. That is exactly what audiences will hear, and sing along with, when the Valley Concert Chorale performs its annual holiday concerts. This year's performances titled "Carols of Comfort and Joy" which includes the ever-popular audience sing-a-long of traditional carols, will offer audiences a variety of carols including carols from around the world.

"'Carols of Comfort and Joy' will be a very unique holiday experience for audiences," says John Emory Bush, the Chorale's artistic director. "We'll take a trip around the world and sing carols from several countries arranged by some of the world's finest carol composers and writers."

This portion of the performance represents a wide range of choral traditions and styles - from a powerful arrangement of an fifth century Armenian hymn, a carol in the style of Nigerian art music, an ancient Latvian folk song, and a Canadian Christmas carol that dates from 1643.

"Each carol has its own style of capturing the spirituality and message of the season- the mystery of Christmas, which is common among all the countries," explains Bush.

Adding to the holiday spirit of the performances will be familiar and traditional carols such as 'The Twelve Days of Christmas,' and those with familiar holiday melodies including a lullaby and a good old wassail song.

Food Drive to Benefit Open Heart Kitchen
The Chorale will host a food drive at both "Carols of Comfort and Joy" performances on Dec. 4 and 5. Donated items will go directly to the Tri-Valley's own Open Heart Kitchen which feeds hundreds of families each year.

"We encourage everyone who attends the performances to bring a non-perishable item to put in the donation barrels," says Norma Foss, VCC Treasurer and food drive coordinator. "It's the Chorale's way of spreading some comfort and joy to families in need who live in our community."

Official Website: http://www.valleyconcertchorale.org/