Concerts offer Relief from the Rush
Members of the Colla Voce Youth Chorus surround director Anne Vaaler. They perform Christmas music in a free concert at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at PEACE Lutheran Church, 828 W. Main St., near downtown Grass Valley.
The Colla Voce Youth Chorus performs lively and enchanting Christmas music for free at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at PEACE Lutheran Church, 828 W. Main St., near downtown Grass Valley.
The Youth Chorus performs under the direction of local music teacher Anne Vaaler, opening Peace’s annual series of free, 30-minute Christmas mini-concerts. For 25 years, these concerts have been the church’s gift to the community – a way for people to get relief from the holiday rush.
The voices of about 30 young people will fill our Sanctuary! Works they will perform include “Thula Klizeo” by Joseph Shabalala, of Ladysmith Black Mambazo; and a setting of “Oseh Shalom,” the Hebrew prayer for peace. (Oseh shalom means “the one who makes peace.”)
This year’s December mini-concert line-up also includes:
- 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13: PEACE staff organist Walt Strony on the organ, playing great music of the season. Plus, Thomas Greathouse, organist and pianist from Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
- 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20: Bells of PEACE handbell choir perform “Sing we Now of Christmas.” Pastor Eileen and Rebecca DeCourten will perform a duet on the bells of “Angels We Have Heard on High.” Plus, a local recorder ensemble also will perform.
No offering will be taken during the concerts. If anyone wishes to donate to the Peace Organ Fund, a basket will be available at the back of the church. (PEACE has launched a campaign to replace the aging organ in the sanctuary.)
After each mini-concert, the audience is invited to stay for a short prayer service, starting about 5:30 p.m. each Wednesday. This ancient tradition, called vespers, follows the uplifting musical format of Holden Evening Prayer. Music includes a beautiful, modern interpretation of “The Magnificat” – or, Mary’s Song.
For more information, call (530) 273-9631.