Chorus and band at BIG ARTS to present Holiday Performance
The islands community is invited the enjoy the sounds of the season at a special holiday concert.
The BIG ARTS Community Chorus and Concert Band will join forces to present its Holiday Performance on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Christensen Performance Hall at BIG ARTS on Sanibel. Beloved holiday classics and melodies will be brought to life by the talented local musicians.
“The community chorus and our concert band, they’re reflective of our story on the islands and our community commitment,” BIG ARTS Executive Director Lee Ellen Harder said, noting that the chorus formed about 30 years ago and the band over 20 years and that the members of both are volunteers.
“So when we kick off the holiday season with this concert, it’s kind of like a homecoming for the community and for BIG ARTS because we have been doing it for so long, and we look forward to it every year,” she added.
It will be new conductor Melissa Calkin’s first house concert and season leading the band.
“We’re so happy to have her on board,” Harder said, noting that Calkin has been a member of the chorus, so she is not new to BIG ARTS. “The band members are just over the moon with her.”
The Holiday Performance’s program will feature a combination of festive seasonal songs.
The chorus will open the evening’s entertainment with a handful of pieces, followed by the band performing a couple of its own. The two groups will then come together for some selections.
“There’s going to be a sing-a-long,” she added.
After a break for the intermission, the band will return to the stage to perform a few more pieces, followed by the chorus. The concert will close with a combined piece and another sing-a-long.
“This will be the first time in many years they will be performing together on the same evening,” Harder noted, explaining that the groups have performed separate holiday concerts for many years.
The bar will be open with festive drinks available for purchase.
“And holiday mocktails for the kids,” she said.
In addition, attendees can browse the BIG ARTS gift shop and take in the art galleries.
“The gift shop is open during all of our events, and the galleries are open for any kind of holiday shopping,” Harder said.
Concert tickets are $20 for adults and free for students and children.
The islands are encouraged to reserve a seat.
“It’s all about community and coming together during this joyous time to celebrate the season,” she said. “It is community members up on the stage — come out and support them and sing along.”
For tickets or more information, visit www.bigarts.org or call 239-395-0900.
BIG ARTS is hosting an array of other events to celebrate the holiday season, such as the Gulfshore Ballet on Dec. 14, a Holiday Open House set for Dec. 20 and a Holiday Family Film on Dec. 23.
BIG ARTS is at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.
…..
IF YOU GO
What
Holiday Performance
Who
BIG ARTS Community Chorus and Concert Band
When
Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.
Where
BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel
Details
Tickets are $20 for adults and free for students and children
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email