Not an empty pew seat was to be found at Sippican Choral Society’s 47th annual performance, “Christmas Through the Years,” on Sunday, December 4 at Tabor Academy’s Wickenden Chapel.
About 600 music revelers enjoyed the choral music of the society’s 80 singers and 37 member children’s chorus – who performed under the direction of Brian Roderick.
“It was 90 percent full. We were very pleased,” said Deborah Osuch, the society’s Director –who has been involved with the group for seven years.
“I think it was a nice combination of serious chorus music, followed by contemporary music recognizable to the audience,” said Ms. Osuch of the holiday performance. Songs included old tunes of different eras – including ninth century plainsong “Veni, Veni Emmanuel”, fourth century Syrian song “Virgin Great and Glorious” and 13th century plainsong “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” – as well as favorites “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.”
According to Ms. Osuch, the singers have been rehearsing since September, or for about 12 weeks.
“I’ve heard nothing but good comments, people really liked the children’s chorus,” said Ms. Osuch. Also, “’Go Tell It On The Mountain’ was a big hit.”
Ms. Osuch said proceeds from ticket sales help pay for costs associated with keeping the chorus going alive – such as musician fees, instruments, etc. – but also that the choral group sets some money aside for scholarships.
“We try to give scholarships to high school students intending to study music, whether performance, composition or music education.” She said they have received few applications from prospective high schoolers from the Tri-Town and Fairhaven – so are opening up the pool of applicants to Dartmouth, New Bedford and Wareham.
In addition, the choral society supports the SouthCoast Children’s Chorus, which was formed a couple of years ago thanks to the group. However, she said the group has been so successful that it is nearly self sufficient without the society’s assistance.
For more information about the society, visit www.sippicanchoral.org or email osuch1@aol.com.
By Laura Fedak Pedulli