Combined Community Choir's last performance of season set for Dec. 17
Choir members come from across Lincoln County
- No admission is charged
The last of three performances of the combined Corona and Carrizozo community choirs is set for Dec. 17, in Carrizozo.
The holiday music season in western Lincoln County was brighter again this year with major Christmas concert performances of “Night of the Father’s Love,” by the combined choirs, the largest choral performance group in Lincoln County.
The final group performance of three this season is scheduled for 3 p.m., Sunday Dec, 17, at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 1000 D Avenue, Carrizozo. Previously, the choir performed in Corona and Capitan. The performance time is about 35 minutes and the public from across Lincoln and Torrance Counties, including tourist visitors to the region are invited. Refreshments will be served following the concert. No admission is charged.
The 30-plus member choir also hails from across Lincoln County, representing the communities of Corona, Ancho, White Oaks, Carrizozo, Alto, Ruidoso and the ‘rural ranch country’ between. Choral direction is provided by Carrizozo’s Scott Shafer and Sherrill Bradford of Corona. Rehearsals for the group started in October and have taken place in Corona, at the Old Ancho School House and in Carrizozo.
The concert features “Night of the Father’s Love,” created by composer Pepper Choplin, with musical arrangements and orchestration by Michael Lawrence and Mark Hayes. The seasonal choral cantata is a blend of traditional Christmas carols and original works. Choplin has composed 19 choral cantatas and has performed at Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts over the past 22 years.
“Night of the Father’s Love” provides heart-warming music and an inspirational narration with rich melodies and harmonies. The score focuses on the birth of Christ, weaving a variety of large choral works and one vocal solo amid the narration of the timeless Christmas story.
Accompanists include Cheryl Smith of Carrizozo and Becky Kohl of Corona.