The Santa Clarita Master Chorale lit up the holiday with its joyful and spirited performance at College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center on December 3. The 50-member ensemble, supported by an orchestra, presented a wonderfully varied Christmas program.
Allan Petker, the Chorale’s conductor, set a thrilling, celebratory tone for the concert with his Sing Gloria.
The centerpiece of the program was John Rutter’s Magnificat. The women’s voices were especially sweet on Of a Rose, a contemplative setting of a 15th century poem highlighted by oboe and strings. Soloists Leslie Garman and Christine Hedke each performed with remarkable warmth and focus.
Among the diverse selections was a Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas by Craig Courtney. Each verse, accompanied magnificently by Ann Moore on the piano, was presented in a variety of musical styles spanning the centuries. The Chorale sang exuberantly with props and feathers flying throughout. It was truly hilarious!
Concluding the concert was Randol Bass’s Christmas Flourish, comprised of four well-known Christmas favorites, with Jill Hackett giving a superb performance of Silent Night.
Don’t miss the next concert, Chariots of Fire: Mendelssohn’s Elijah, presented on Sunday afternoon, March 18 at 3:30 at College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center. For more information, call 661-254-8886, or visit the Chorale’s website, www.scmasterchorale.org.