Capital City Chorus’ “Christmas with the Chorus 24”

Originally published on social media on December 14th, 2024

A dear friend and kindred spirit joined me for the Capitol City Chorus Christmas Concert last night, and we had such a festive time together. There are two more shows tonight and tomorrow, and I think you will find that attending one of these will be very special experience. Here’s why:

The Capitol City Chorus has so many talented musicians who have mastered the art of blending, diction, and rhythm. Together, they all find a way to embody the emotion and the tone of the pieces they are singing, and it generally leaves the audience in awe. During their holiday concerts, they sing beloved Christmas classics along with sacred pieces that remind you of what the holiday season is about. There is a peace that meets you on a spiritual level during those particular pieces.

There are a couple of traditions that they have adapted: As director Dan Colgan described, the chorus always performs a Gloria during Christmas to commemorate what the angels sang at the birth of Christ. This year, they performed Beethoven’s Gloria from Mass in C Major, Op.86 alongside a quartet made up of some of their fellow chorus members; tenor Nick Bourgault sang his portions of the quartet angelically. Listening to this piece was an incredible and captivating experience and I was very moved.

Along with the Gloria, some of my other favorites from the night included:

• “Sussex Carol” made you feel as if you traveled to merry old England.

• “The Little Drummer Boy” had the tenors and basses sang the background drumming sounds with finesse, and the women sounding just like the traditional chorus that’s played on the radio each year. Stunning!

• “Stars” was performed with singers AND water glass tuning which I have never heard in real life. Gracie Lou Freebush would be so proud.

• “Christmas Time is Here” felt just like the original from Charlie Brown, and hearing this piece performed live felt like the musical embodiment of a modern day Christmas. I got goosebumps.

Attending the Capitol City Chorus Christmas Concert has become a fun family tradition for me, and I highly encourage you to invite this tradition into your holiday season starting this year. Bring a friend too!