Choral Society to shine a midnight light

||| FROM MILLIE NOVAK for  ORCAS CHORAL SOCIETY |||

It’s that time of year when Orcas Choral Society prepares its well-known seasonal wonderland of singing that is sure to bring sounds of magical notes bundled in the warmth of joy and the sparkle of delight to your wintery nights this coming December.

This year’s holiday concert, Midnight Light, covers a century of new twists on old tunes, as well as fond reminisces of familiar harmonies that make the holiday season dear to so many people. OCS relishes serving you melodies, tunes, and jingles, gift-wrapped in a jubilant spirit of fellowship. The chorus performs twice: Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. and Dec.7 at 2 p.m. at the Orcas Center.

What is so special about the Choral Society? Everyone has their own motivation to join. Research of brain studies show how singing keeps minds alert. Cynthia and Craig Abolin, who joined soon after moving here in 2010, expressed their appreciation for the Choral Society because, “choral membership is a team sport; a community of singers working toward a common goal.”

Sharon Abreu states, “When I first moved to Orcas in 2001 and heard the OCS, as a long-time choral singer myself, I was really impressed with how good a 60-voice, non-audition chorus in a small community could be.” Abreu echoes many members with her favorite thing about OCS; “I love the camaraderie of the people in the group and the end result of a lot of hard work on the music.”

Musicians young and old fill the night air with their heartening voices that are sure to melt any icicles of wintry blues. This year, you will find yourself enchanted as you see your friends and fellow townsfolk transformed into a joyous gathering of your favorite singers, dancers, and musicians.

Tiffany Loney weaves her dancers through airy melodies, pirouetting to the melodic refrains of carefully chosen guest musicians from near and far, artfully led by our very own, multi-talented director, Bruce Langford. You will be transported through a wintry paradise of sparkling tunes that will leave you spellbound with a feeling of peace and lingering cheer.

It’s their love of singing that brings Orcas Choral Society members back. You will hear the graceful harmonies of Mark-Antoine Charpentier’s 17 th Century Midnight Mass for Christmas, plus lovely interpretations of carols, such as a charming rendition of “The First Noel” set to Pachelbel’s hit theme. You will be amazed by a unique arrangement of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” by Craig Courtney.

All of this is made possible by the outpouring of the people who keep this group sustained by their generous donations. There is nothing like the welcoming embrace of a connected group to keep people young and alive. Tickets are available on the Orcas Center web site. Come and join in the festive fun!