Arts & Entertainment
Washington Men's Camerata to sing at Arlington Unitarian Church
First Concert Dec. 6 at Arlington Unitarian Universalist Church
An Arlington church has a novel way of hosting musical performances: Rather than charge rent for some groups, it asks for a percentage of the proceeds.
One of the groups is the Washington Men’s Camerata, which will hold one of its Christmas concerts at 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (UUCA), 4444 Arlington Blvd.
A quartet from the Camerata will sing at the Dec. 1 service to stir up interest. Church members will be encouraged to attend the concert.
“It’s a win-win situation for both us and them,” remark Sophia Morreale, interim director of music at UUCA. “We can sell tickets and will get to hear wonderful music.”
The church has made similar arrangements with the National Chamber Ensemble, appearing Dec. 14, the Arlington Chorale, Shenandoah Run (bluegrass), singer/songwriter Maya Rogers and other performers. “Our people love it,” says Annie Parker, events facilitator and worship coordinator. “It broadens the audience for everyone.”
Directed by Frank Albinder, the Camerata will sing some Christmas favorites with unique arrangements, such as unusual rhythms of “What Child Is This” and “Silent Night.” There will be some unfamiliar songs from other countries, such as the Nigerian Christmas song “Betelehemu,” Rachmaninoff’s “Rejoice O Virgin,” in Slavonic and “Riu Riu Chiu,” a song from Mexico.
And count on some familiar favorites such as “Sleigh Bells” and “The Christmas Song,” sung in the Camerata’s trademark style.
Concerts are also planned on Sunday, Dec. 8, at St. Columba’s Episcopal Church 4201 Albemarle St. NW in Washington and on Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G St NW in Washington. Tickets for the concert, at $25, can be purchased at the Camerata website, www.camerata.com.