Two Sanpete County choirs, the Sanpete Valley Choral Arts Society (SVCAS) and the Snow College Master Chorale, are kicking off Christmas rehearsals this month and inviting singers to join them.
SVCAS is a community choir that draws membership from across the Sanpete Valley. It performs 3-5 Christmas concerts each December.
The Snow College Master Chorale is sponsored by the Horne School of Music. The chorale performs two “Messiah” concerts during the Christmas season. The college invites public participation in both the choir and orchestra.
The SVCAS was formed when the 37-year-old Easter Offering Choir, founded by Dr. Roy Ellefsen, and the 21-year- old Sanpete Valley Singers choir, founded by Steven J. Clark, merged last year.
For their Christmas pro- gram, the group performs Christmas music ranging from classical, to traditional to sacred.
“There’s something in our concerts for everyone,” Clark said. “Our Christmas concerts are for the entire family.”
The Snow College Master Chorale takes a different tack. In their annual performance of Handel’s “The Messiah” they function as a classical choir singing orchestral music.
The Snow College choir and orchestra are led by Dr. Michael A Huff, director of choral and piano activities in the Horne School of Music.
“It is a humbling opportunity for me to be able to carry on this wonderful tradition started by Professor Harry Dean way back in 1934. This timeless music has been a treasured part of Ephraim’s holiday traditions.”
SVCAS Christmas rehearsals begin on Sunday, Sept. 18 at 4:30 p.m. at the Mt. Pleasant Stake Center (yellow church) at 295 So. State St. Any singer 15 or older, and people of all faiths, are invited.
Rehearsals are held weekly through the beginning of the choir’s concert schedule in early December. The choir’s Mt. Pleasant concert will be on Sunday, Dec. 18, at the Mt. Pleasant Stake Center, with other concert dates to be announced.
There will be opportunities for alto, soprano, tenor and baritone soloists, and for a flute accompanist. Alison Bailey from Fountain Green is the piano accompanist. To join the choir, contact Clark at (435) 262-0358.
Snow College “Messiah” rehearsals begin on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. in the choir rehearsal room at the Eccles Center. Singers must attend 75 percent of the rehearsals. There will be a mandatory dress rehearsal Dec. 10 at 4 p.m.
“Messiah” performances will be Dec. 10 and 11 in the Jorgensen Concert Hall at the Eccles Center. Interested persons may contact the Eccles Center at 283-7478 for more information.
