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The Commonwealth Chorale of Virginia will begin a new season of rehearsals on Tuesday, Sept. 10. That’ll take place at 7 p.m. at Farmville Presbyterian Church. Area singers interested in joining the Chorale are invited to attend.

This year’s Christmas concert, “To Hear the Angels Sing,” will be presented in two afternoon concerts on Dec. 7, 4 p.m., at Crenshaw United Methodist Church, Blackstone, and Dec. 8, 4 p.m., at Farmville United Methodist Church. 

“I am very pleased to begin working with singers on music that promises to bring the joy and happiness of the Christmas season to our audiences,” Chorale Artistic Director Carol J. Henderson said.

This year’s concerts combine classical repertoire with contemporary Christmas favorites.

“This year’s concert will feature sections from the lightly festive Joseph Haydn ‘G Major Mass,’” Henderson said. “With delightful choruses and solos, this music is uplifting —a truly fitting introduction to the holiday season.”

A more contemporary collection, “Carols of the Nativity” by Steven Chatman, will also be on the program. 

“Other carols will feature quintessential arrangements by Alice Parker and Robert Shaw as well as ‘Christmas Day’ by Gustav Holt,” Henderson added. “Of course, no Christmas concert would be complete without a rousing chorus or two from “Messiah.’”

The chorale will be accompanied by Susie Thomas on piano, and Judy Amos on organ. 

Background on Commonwealth Chorale artistic director

Henderson, who has been the Chorale’s artistic director since 2019, received her bachelor of music and master of music degrees from Westminster Choir College. She currently serves as minister of music at Clarksville Presbyterian Church. 

A pianist, organist and choir director, Henderson loves choral music and sees her role as chorale director as another opportunity to share that love.

“The Commonwealth Chorale is important to this community, and I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of it,” she commented.

The Commonwealth Chorale was established by Norma Williams in 1975. Williams retired as the Chorale’s artistic director in 2019.

Chorale membership represents all ages and musical backgrounds and includes singers from many surrounding counties and towns. 

“Come sing with us,” Henderson concluded. “You will become a part of something beautiful.” 

For more information on the Commonwealth Chorale visit the Chorale’s booth at the Heart of Virginia Festival in Farmville Sept. 14. Further information and concert updates will also be posted on www.commonwealthchorale.org and the Commonwealth Chorale of Virginia Facebook page.