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Charis Chamber Voices Ring In Holiday Season In Bedford

BEDFORD, N.Y. -- Charis Chamber Voices will ring in the holiday season with a program of carols and sacred music, concluding with seasonal sing-along favorites by Mendelssohn and Gruber.

Art Sjogren leads the Charis Chamber.

Art Sjogren leads the Charis Chamber.

Photo Credit: Submitted

Two concerts are scheduled in area churches: on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 4 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Mount Kisco, 605 Millwood Rd. (Rte. 133), and on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 4 p.m. at Bedford Presbyterian Church, Village Green.

Charis is an auditioned chorus of 41 men and women from Westchester and Fairfield Counties. Founded in 1994, the group is renowned for its diverse repertoire, unique blend of voices and captivating performances. This is Charis' eighth season under the direction of Art Sjogren, an accomplished choral director who is frequently in demand as a guest conductor at American and international choral festivals.

This year’s “Candlelight Christmas” concert features a wide range of seasonal music, accompanied by harp, viola and organ. The program opens with an ancient chant, Emmanuel-God is With Us, followed by Remember, O Thou Man, another chant-like work by 17th Century composer Thomas Ravenscroft that has been reimagined by contemporary composer/arranger Abbie Betinis. Two works by another contemporary, the Swedish composer Fredrik Sixten, are also featured: Mary’s Lullaby and The Fleeing Child.

Among classics on the program are Hodie Christus Natus Est a 10 by Hans Leo Hassler, two of the Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda by Gustav Holst, and a Magnificat by Charles Villiers Stanford. Charis will also perform two motets by Frances Poulenc,and the Basque hymn, Sing Lullaby, in candlelight procession.

By tradition, Charis’s holiday concerts end with the audience joining in familiar Christmas carols. The concerts will be followed by wine and cheese receptions.

Tickets are $25 ($20 for seniors and students). They may be purchased in advance through the Charis website, www.charisvocals.com, or by calling 914-931-6575. Tickets will also be available at the door.

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