Local Chorus Rings in the Holidays with Beautiful Music

It’s that time of year again—time for favorite movies, yummy food, celebrations with family and friends, and festive music. Only in December does it make perfect sense to sing about jingle bells, sleigh rides, and partridges in pear trees moments before standing in reverence for Handle’s “Hallelujah” chorus. People of all backgrounds find themselves moved by lyrics that offer hope of peace on earth and a respite from the craziness of shopping and planning.

The award-winning Blackhawk Chorus has been singing holiday music since August. Directed by Diane Gilfeather, they are in the 28th year of performing. This year, in addition to their December 14 concert, “Ring Those Holiday Bells,” they have the honor of joining the Diablo Symphony for “What Sweeter Music: Singing the Holidays.” Both events highlight the chorus’s versatility.

For “What Sweeter Music,” performed at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church at 2:00 on December 7 and 8, the chorus will sing five pieces, including Brahms’ “How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place” Mozart’s “Laudate Dominum” (featuring soprano Elizabeth Hunter Ashley), and “Sleigh Ride.” They will also lead the audience in a fun sing-along.

On December 14, they will present “Ring Those Holiday Bells” at Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center in San Ramon (concert begins at 4:00), which includes their pieces from the Diablo Symphony concert plus “The Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth,” “Light a Candle,” “Jingle Bells,” and much more. As in past years, their concert will also feature Blackhawk Jazz, Bella Voce, and Jubilee Road. This performance is special in that it supports the Blackhawk Chorus’s Music Education Fund, which contributes to local choral music programs.

If you are looking for a family friendly night filled with familiar favorites, classical music, and unique arrangements of traditional carols, be sure to work one of these concerts into your December schedule.

Tickets for “What Sweeter Music: Singing the Holidays” are available on the Diablo Symphony website: https://www.diablosymphony.org/events/what-sweeter-music-singing-the-holidays/

Tickets for “Ring Those Holiday Bells” are available on the Blackhawk Chorus website: https://www.blackhawkchorus.com/concerts