WILMINGTON, Del. – The Wilmington Children’s Chorus (WCC) announced final plans today for two Candlelight Holiday concerts in Harbeson, Sussex County. These concerts will preview two highly popular holiday performances in Wilmington the following weekend.
The Singing Ambassadors of Wilmington will return to Harbeson to perform in St. George’s Chapel, 20322 Beaver Dam Rd. This intimate, candlelit setting served as a backdrop for the WCC’s downstate performances during the 2011 holiday season. This year’s concerts will be held on Dec. 8 at 3 and 5:30 p.m. There is no charge for admission, but concertgoers are asked to provide a freewill offering at the door. Contributions will support the chorus and the church concert series. For additional information on the concert at St. George’s, call 302-227-7202.
Each performance this season will be a showcase of the exceptional focus, versatility, and artistry every chorister must demonstrate as a member of WCC. As they enter their final rehearsal phase, choristers will fine tune pieces they have practiced for months, including those from the Baroque period, as well as Klezmer music, American Jazz, African songs, Gospel tunes, and popular Christmas carols.
“These concerts are extraordinary experiences for our audiences,” said Kimberly Doucette, director of WCC. “They see our choristers embrace the values of hard work, responsibility, and musicianship. And this work is most special at the holiday season. Our choristers know that these concerts give audiences a welcome break from holiday preparations, and our singers are especially proud to create some magic of their own.”
The WCC has performed for world and national leaders as well as audiences throughout Delaware and the surrounding region. The ensemble is 140 members strong this season. Fifty advanced choristers ages 12-18 will travel to Harbeson to present this program.
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus is a multi-cultural children’s choir sponsored in part by the City of Wilmington, Dennis P. Williams, Mayor, as a project of Cityfest, Inc. Any qualified child can participate for free, regardless of financial or social background. This program is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. To donate or audition for the WCC, please visit www.wilmingtonchildrenschorus.org.
In addition online ticket sales begin today for its December Candlelight Holiday Concerts in Wilmington.
The extraordinary talent of the members of all four WCC choirs – Youth, Select, Chamber, and Young Men’s Ensemble — will shine in these performances. The concerts will be held at First and Central Presbyterian Church, 1101 N. Market Street, Wilmington. Showtime is at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 13, and at 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 14.
Tickets for both Wilmington concerts can be purchased online at www.wilmingtonchildrenschorus.org.
Prices are $15 for adult tickets; $10 for student and senior tickets; and $5 for children under 12.
Because these shows are extremely popular, concertgoers are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.
The Wilmington performances also will feature WCC’s “Candlelight Shoppe.” It will open one hour before and after the concert, so that audience members have time to see all the unique and whimsical holiday gifts available. Proceeds from the sale and all fundraising events go to the WCC.
The WCC will kick off its holiday concert series on Dec. 8 with two afternoon shows downstate at St. George’s Chapel in Harbeson. Choristers are now putting finishing touches on selections from the Baroque period, as well as Klezmer music, American Jazz, African songs, Gospel tunes, and popular Christmas carols.
“These concerts are extraordinary experiences for our audiences,” said Kimberly Doucette, director of WCC. “They see our youngest, most beginning choristers to our most experienced high school singers all embrace the values of hard work, responsibility and musicianship. And this work is most special at the holiday season. Our choristers know that these concerts give audiences a welcome break from holiday preparations, and our singers are especially proud to create some magic of their own.”
Known as the “Singing Ambassadors of Wilmington,” choristers have performed for world and national leaders as well as audiences throughout Delaware and the surrounding region. The Wilmington Children’s Chorus is 140 members strong this season.
