SCHOHARIE COUNTY — The Schoharie Valley Singers are delighted to announce their 47th Holiday Concert, Star Light, Star Bright, a sparkling musical celebration capturing the wonder, warmth, and joy of the season. This year’s program features an exciting blend of timeless classics, contemporary works, and festive favorites that highlight the beauty of winter and the magic of Christmas.
Audiences can look forward to beloved pieces such as LeRoy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” a seasonal staple famous for its cheerful whip cracks and clip-clopping “horses”; Alfred S. Burt’s “Caroling, Caroling,” part of the historic Burt Carols collection originally shared on family Christmas cards; and Eric Whitacre’s “Glow,” a modern choral jewel written for the Disney “World of Color – Winter Dreams” spectacular.
Other highlights include Randall Thompson’s “Choose Something Like a Star,” inspired by the poetry of Robert Frost; Mark Hayes’ “Winter’s Heart,” known for its soaring harmonies; and John Rutter’s “Star Carol,” a radiant anthem loved by choirs worldwide. Audiences will also enjoy the contemporary poignancy of “Winter Song” by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson, the whimsical charm of “Hydom, Tiddlydom,” and a lively medley in “Christmas on Broadway.”
Performances will take place on Friday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 141 Church Street in Central Bridge, and on Saturday, December 13 at 4:00 p.m. at the Duanesburg Reformed Presbyterian Church, 6512 Western Turnpike (Route 20) in Duanesburg.
The Schoharie Valley Singers trace their beginnings to 1979, when the late Frances B. Tripp, a former Schoharie High School music teacher, founded the group under its original name, The Depot Lane Singers, following her retirement. In 2005, leadership passed to Mitch Haverly, a retired music teacher from Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School. Thirteen years later, in 2018, the ensemble adopted the name Schoharie Valley Singers and was incorporated as an independent not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. At that time, Middleburgh Jr./Sr. High School music teacher Benjamin April became the group’s third artistic director. After April’s resignation in 2023, the role was taken up by Rae Jean Teeter, a retired music teacher from Guilderland Central School District, who prepared the group for its winter/holiday concert as the fourth artistic director and conductor. Today, the Singers are fortunate to be guided by Teeter and supported by the musicianship of accompanist Mark Pracher.
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