The Quincy Symphony Chorus will present “A Glorious Christmas” choral concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at Salem Evangelical United Church of Christ. Dr. Phyllis Robertson will lead the chorus in a selection of traditional and sacred music, accompanied by Mary Shelor.
This holiday celebration includes the beautiful Pinkham “Gloria” Christmas Cantata accompanied by organ and a triumphant brass choir. American composer Daniel Pinkham wrote his cantata in 1957. It utilizes traditional Nativity texts such as “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” but it is also original throughout as it captures the spirit of the season. The work begins in a stately and majestic fashion and ends with the celebratory “Glory to God in the Highest.”
“Shepherd Play Your Pipes Tonight” features an oboe obbligato played by Marianne Peters. This anthem provides a fresh look at the manger scene set against the backdrop of the angel choir and the piping shepherd.
The chorus will also perform “Angels from the Realms of Glory,” “Coventry Carol” as well as many other sounds of the season. In addition to a brass choir and organ, featured instruments throughout the concert include violin, cello, percussion and four-hand piano accompaniment.
As a special highlight the audience will be invited to participate in a sing-along of portions of Handel’s “Messiah” including the beloved “Hallelujah” chorus. A Glorious Christmas promises to be an inspiring and bright addition to holiday celebrations.
Tickets will be available in advance on the QSOA website, www.qsoa.org, at HyVee stores in Quincy, Sturhahn Jewelers, or at the door for $18 for adults and $15 for seniors. A special rate is available for church choirs or groups of 10 or more. To order group tickets by Dec. 3, call (217) 222-2856. Children 18 years of age and under are free to this concert thanks to support from the Tracy Family Foundation and the Community Foundation.
Flexi-tickets, which include six single admission tickets to be used in any combination throughout the season, will be for sale at the concert for $60. They are prepackaged in a special holiday envelope perfect for gift-giving. Flexi-tickets provide admission to QSOA concerts throughout the spring, making a lasting Christmas gift for music lovers on your list.
A Glorious Christmas is sponsored in part by Maestro Music Sponsor, Schmiedeskamp, Robertson, Neu & Mitchell, LLP, Media Sponsor WTAD and by The Illinois Arts Council Agency. Special thanks to Gardner Denver, Knapheide Manufacturing and Blessing Health System, the 2015-16 Golden Baton Season Sponsors. For more information, visit HYPERLINK “https://qsoa.org” www.qsoa.org.
