Free community holiday concert this weekend at Nicolet College
Nicolet College Theatre will ring with holiday cheer when the Rhinelander Male Chorus, Northwoods Choraliers, Lakeland Barbershop Chorus, and Hymns and Hyrs come together to celebrate the season in four-part harmony at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16.
The four popular Northwoods vocal groups have a 30-year history of sharing their songs with area audiences. Each brings something special to the stage. The 12-member Rhinelander Male Chorus, under the direction of Colette Zunk, will showcase four seasonal numbers, one of which is a medley of holiday numbers.
“The songs will be familiar to the audience and sure to add to their holiday spirit,” said long-time member Corky Stoxen. “We’ve been doing this a long time, and we always enjoy performing this concert. It’s nice to be surrounded by other local vocalists.”
Other singers will include the talented Northwoods Choraliers, a group of more than two dozen women ranging in age from 21 to 82. Directed by Bonnie Dawson and accompanied by Carmen Kreitlow, the group will perform songs of the holidays, both secular and non-secular. “This is the season of music,” Dawson said. “It’s a common thread for everybody at this time of year, and we enjoy sharing that with the audience.”
The dozen-plus members of the Lakeland Barbershop Chorus will sing a capella four-part harmony under the direction of Todd Oxly. The group includes two of its charter members from its formation in 1988.
“Because most of our music is memorized, we get to have a lot of playful interaction with the audience,” Oxly said. “They can see we’re really having fun and relating to them.”
The fourth group taking the Nicolet stage will be the Hymns and Hyrs, directed by Jim Priovolos. The group of about 20 area singers and musicians, some of whom also perform with the Chorus or Choraliers, is looking forward to a wonderful audience turnout. “It will be a cross section of all ages,” said Dawson. “It pays to get there early for the best seating, especially since it’s free.”
The concert will culminate with all four groups joining together to sing the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah. “That’s about as traditional as it gets,” Dawson added.
“Nicolet is happy to be hosting this holiday showcase of so much area talent,” said Nicolet College Theatre Director Jim Nuttall. “Although admission is free, in keeping with the spirit of the season, attendees are encouraged to contribute non-perishable food and monetary donations for local food pantries.”
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