Suburban singers prepare for two December concerts
information provided by the South Holland Master Chorale
SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. (October 30, 2021) – After more than a year and a half of absence, members of South Holland Master Chorale announced their return to active singing. The group is eagerly preparing for upcoming holiday performances.
Concerts are planned for two dates in December. The Sunday, Dec. 5, performance at 4 p.m. will be hosted by St. Joseph Catholic Church, 17951 Dixie Highway, Homewood. The Sunday, Dec. 12, concert at 4 p.m. will be hosted by St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 500 Northgate Drive, Dyer, Indiana. The Chicago Gargoyle Brass Ensemble will join the Chorale for a program of traditional and contemporary holiday favorites by Robert Shaw, Philip Stopford, Ralph Vaughn Williams, and others. The holiday programs will feature the magnificent “Gloria” by John Rutter.
Concerts are free of charge, with freewill donations accepted. In line with health recommendations and out of an abundance of caution, audience members will be required to wear masks at both concerts.
Making a musical comeback
The last public concerts the Chorale performed were in December 2019. The group canceled rehearsals in March 2020 during the early days of COVID quarantine. Throughout the lockdown, Chorale members kept in touch through emails, phone calls, and regular statements from the Chorale board and director Albert M. Jackson.
“Those were tough times for everyone,” remembers Jackson. “The Chorale has really become like an extended family, and it was very difficult not to be able to meet and support one another.”
Even when conditions began to ease, the Chorale board was hesitant to begin rehearsals out of concern for the health of the members and their families. Regular rehearsals finally began on Sept. 13, with the requirement that all participants be fully vaccinated and masked during rehearsals. Singers also are directed to maintain social distance while singing.
Excitement and joy
Jackson says the return to singing together has brought palpable excitement to the choristers. “While we are steadfastly taking all the best preventive and protective measures to mitigate the spread of the COVID virus,” said Jackson, “we are joyfully engaging once again in rehearsals and preparation for our Christmas concerts.”
Beyond the two concerts in December, the Chorale also expects to continue their regular season in spring 2022.
More information about the South Holland Master Chorale and their upcoming performances is available online:
- Visit www.southhollandmasterchorale.org
- Email [email protected]
Related
- Christmas concerts by South Holland Master Chorale scheduled in Homewood and Dyer (November 2019 article)
Fantastic!!!!! The combined gifted voices of a large-member choir, such that they are, is nothing short of Heaven. Not to be missed.