This Sunday, Dec. 15, the Brubeck Arts Center at Wabash Valley College will be hosting “An Irish Christmas” at 1:30 p.m. This family-friendly choral event will feature the WVC Community Choir, traditional Irish musicians and vocalist Lee Wenger.
The WVC Community Choir will return to the stage to open this year’s Christmas concert showcase. Gary Hargett will guest direct this outstanding choral group.
“This will be different than any program we’ve done before. In years past, we’ve performed traditional carols and ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’ type songs. This one, however, is focused on the sounds of An Irish Christmas.”
This year’s choir is a bit different, too, as it is entirely comprised of women. Those participating in the choir are: Nancy Atchinson, Claudia Dant, Pat Cosakis, Ashley Majors, Rosemary Meunier, Donna Sigler, Mary Wonzik, Diana Daniel, Brenda Marriott, Victoria Bayne, Sue Schmidt, Mary Trimble, Jeanne Tennis and Shirley Goodman.
Hargett stated that the music he ordered was meant for a mixed choir. When he realized that the choir would be comprised of only women, he had to rearrange the music.
“I sort of had to rewrite some of the music and switch around some of the parts, but the ladies have responded so beautifully that no one would know.”
He explained that the choir will perform many traditional Irish Christmas songs.
“The choir will start with a very lively and recognizable piece called ‘Christmas in Killarney’ during which we will feature Rachael Hawf playing the fiddle.”
The choir will then go on to sing a set of traditionally Irish songs, several of which will be immediately recognizable to the audience, such as “What Child Is This,” “The Carol of the Bells” and “I Saw Three Ships.”
After the choir has sang their set, a traditional Irish band will be performing several Irish polkas. The band is comprised of Graham Draughon, Katie Heilman, Richard King, Dan Otto, Theresa Talarek and Rachael Hawf.
Additionally, the program will showcase the talents of featured vocalist Lee Wenger from Bradley University.
Hargett stated that the program will wrap up with two more choral pieces: “I Saw Three Ships” and a traditional Celtic Advent carol. During the Celtic Advent carol and “What Child is This,” one of the choir members, Diana Daniel, will be featured on the flute.
This always-popular community Christmas performance of beautiful sacred and secular music is a concert the entire family will want to attend. Hargett agreed stating, “I think the public will be pleasantly surprised, and I think they’ll really enjoy it, so please come!”
The concert will be this Sunday, Dec. 15 at 1:30 p.m. in the Brubeck Arts Center
