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The Commonwealth Chorale of Virginia will present “To Hear the Angels Sing,” a collection of Christmas music spanning seasons of holiday style, in two concerts this year. The first was held on Saturday, Dec. 7 in Blackstone. But the second performance will be held at the Farmville United Methodist Church, 212 High Street, on Dec. 8. Both concerts begin at 4 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

The program begins with a lively Moravian rendition of ‘What Good News the Angels Bring’ and moves on to the happy Mass of Saint Nicholas written by Joseph Haydn and first performed with chamber ensemble on December 6, 1772, St. Nicholas Day.

“Children celebrate St. Nicholas Day in various ways throughout Europe,” Chorale Artistic Director Carol J. Henderson noted. “Many of our Christmas Day traditions arose from this festival.”

Commonwealth Chorale focuses on carols

A major portion of this year’s concert will focus on carols — both old and new.

“Popularity of the carol in the 15th century was proven by the fact the nearly 500 lyrics in that form survive,” Henderson explained. “The middle 1600s brought a return to Puritanism, and carol singing nearly became an endangered tradition. It wasn’t until 1822 that collections of traditional carols began to be published. By the mid-1800’s both new and old carols were explored and revived.”

The program includes Carols of the Nativity, a four-part collection that travels through the ages from 15th century England in ‘As I Lay Upon the Night,’ to France in the mid-1800s with “Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella,” and a French-Canadian Christmas Carol ‘The Huron Carol’ (‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime). 

“We will sing the first verse in the Huron language as well as in English,” Henderson noted.

The set of carols ends with the well-known ‘Angels We Have Heard on High.’

“This is a beautiful arrangement by Stephen Chatman,” Henderson added. “In this arrangement we visualize angels swirling to the heavens in rising textures and surprising key changes that create a feeling of heightened joy,” 

The program continues with two carols arranged by Alice Parker and Rober Shaw: ‘The Holly and the Ivy’ from 15th century England and ‘Touro-Louro-Louro’, a French Provencal carol from the 19th century.

‘Christmas Day: A Choral Fantasy on Old Carols’ by Gustav Holst was first performed in 1911. Inspired by orchestral chimes, the Chorale had added a handbell accompaniment written by Artistic Director Henderson. 

“We hope that you find this moving holiday medley from a great composer uplifting and joyous — with an additional sparkle of handbells!” Henderson commented.

Rounding out the carol section of the program are three well-known favorites: ‘We Saw Three Ships,’ ‘It Came Upon the Midnight Clear,’ and ‘Joy to the World.’

Wrapping up with yearly tradition 

The concert will conclude with a Chorale tradition: ‘Hallelujah!’ from Handel’s ‘Messiah.’

The Chorale will be accompanied by pianist Susie Thomas and organist Judy Amos. Soloists from the Chorale will be featured during the performance.

The Chorales’ artistic director since 2019, Henderson received bachelor of music and master of music degrees from Westminster Choir College. She currently serves as minister of music at Clarksville Presbyterian Church. 

“The Commonwealth Chorale is important to this community, and I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of it,” Henderson commented. “I’m pleased to work with music that promises to once again bring the joy and happiness of the Christmas season to our audiences.”

Who is the Commonwealth Chorale? 

The Commonwealth Chorale, with membership representing all ages and musical backgrounds, includes singers from many counties and towns across Southside Virginia. The concerts are free, and all are invited to attend.

Visit the group’s website  for more information on the Commonwealth Chorale.