Christmas concert set for Dec. 1

Bethany Lange, For the Herald
Posted 11/23/17

Biennial Christmas Gala scheduled for Friday, Dec. 1

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Christmas concert set for Dec. 1

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EVANSTON — During rehearsals, the halls vibrate with notes of jubilation, misty memory, bubbling energy and peace. The Evanston Civic Orchestra and Chorus is nearly ready for this upcoming Friday’s concert, and it promises to present the full joyful range of the Christmas season. 

The ECOC and many other musical groups, representing the strength and core of a close-knit community, will join together on Friday, Dec. 1, to enrich and enlighten the community with a dazzling concert at Davis Middle School. 

The “Light of the World” concert, organized by the Evanston Community Orchestra and Chorus, is the sixth biennial Christmas Gala presented to the community. Yet, in addition to the treasured traditions of previous years (especially the variety of choirs and instrumentalists both within the ECOC and from local churches and community groups), this concert will also showcase several new aspects. 

One of the biggest additions to the program is a family-oriented Christmas party before the concert. The whole community is invited to take part and support the ECOC’s bake sale and silent auction (which go to support the group’s concerts and activities). Attendees may also enjoy free snacks and holiday drinks; live music performed by Kevin Blackwell, Tom Mealey and Chad George; kids’ games; and a food donation collection for the Lord’s Storehouse. Everyone is also invited to contribute to the Gingerbread Village; there is no entry fee, but contributors must sign up by writing to evanstoncivicorchestra@gmail.com. 

The concert will then begin at 7 p.m., featuring the core orchestra and choir but also drawing on the Evanston Men’s Chorus, Evanston Women’s Chorus, Evanston Handbell Choir, madrigal singers, and several church groups. There will also be a special community service slideshow, which ECOC publicity chair Sara Maisey said is designed to show how people in Evanston have been a light in the world this year. 

“An event such as this one is one of the best methods to increase a sense of community,” orchestra conductor Nick Harker said. “It is an opportunity for community members to get to know one another. It is also an opportunity for families to have a fun, wholesome night out that everyone can enjoy.”

This year has seen a revitalization of both the orchestra and choir, drawing on musicians of all ages and from all walks of life under the skilled direction of Harker (orchestra conductor) and Nathan Baxter and Crystal Roskelley-Delgado (chorus co-directors). Their excitement in the final rehearsals has been almost palpable as they draw on and feed into the passion and energy of the musicians. 

“The musicians in this group are extremely dedicated,” Harker told the Herald. “They put in the time and the effort required to put on a great performance. I am especially grateful to work with a group that responds well to suggestions in rehearsals and has a desire to share their talents with the community.” 

“We have people from different backgrounds, different philosophies of life, different musical backgrounds, no musical backgrounds being involved,” Maisey said.

The music selections showcase that variety, ranging from sweet and nostalgic carols to sprightly waltzes and powerful drumbeats. The concert is designed to transport Evanston straight into the shimmery Christmas season of heart and memory, with hope for the future intertwined with the joy of the present. 

“I think it’s sharing in the Christmas spirit,” summed up orchestra representative Mary Kramer. 

During one rehearsal evening, the halls echoed simultaneously with the stirring beats of the Nigerian Christmas song “Betelehemu” sung by the men’s chorus while women’s voices soared through “In the Bleak Midwinter” and the orchestra made the air dance with jingling carols. At times, one could almost smell ice-frosted pine and glimpse twinkling candles in the air as the music swirled through the air.