Music Column: Holiday Voices Concert features Chamber Singers of Iowa City
The holidays remind us of the beauty in all things, especially music! The Chamber Singers of Iowa City will perform a special holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 at the Congregational United Church of Christ at 30 N. Clinton Street. This fundraiser is free to the public but suggested donations start at $12. It is a chance for you to escape from the frosty darkness of a December evening.
We will present both solo vocal and choral works along with poetry readings and you may join us in the audience sing-alongs of some favorite carols. Sixteen of the Chamber Singers will form a small choral group and sing festive arrangements of “What Child is This”, “Masters in this Hall”, and “Wassail Song”, among others. Pianist Kyle Coleman will accompany with David Puderbaugh conducting. Featured soloists include Kristen Eisenhammer, soprano, Esther Puderbaugh, soprano, and Jason Fuemmeler, baritone. Other Chamber Singer members will read poignant poetry by writers including: Brontë, Kilmer, Tennyson, Cummings, and others. A cookie and cocoa reception will follow to keep you warm when the icy winds accompany you home.
If you cannot attend that concert, you may still get in the holiday spirit, as members of Chamber Singers will carol outdoors on Saturday the 16th from 10:30-3:30 p.m. This is your chance to sing with us if you wish. You can hear/meet us at Deluxe Bakery at 10:30, or at the Pedestrian Mall from 1:30-2:30 in downtown Iowa City. The carol singing will remind you of the enchantment of winter and the magic of the holiday.
Looking ahead to the spring, we are delighted to present Felix Mendelssohn's dramatic oratorio Elijah on Mother's Day, May 12, 2024. The Chamber Singers of Iowa City, with orchestra and soloists, will breathe life into this timeless masterpiece at Voxman Concert Hall. As we celebrate the essence of motherhood, let the majestic sounds of Mendelssohn's Elijah create an uplifting and memorable experience for all.
Chamber Singers of Iowa City is a volunteer chorus of approximately 50 singers chosen annually by audition. Many of the performances comprising our typical three-concert seasons are performed with orchestral accompaniment and soloists. Such orchestras are formed from professional musicians from the local and regional area.
In this season of singing when beautiful vocal music reigns supreme, here is your chance to support a local non-profit organization close to home. Your support is vital to help CSIC continue to offer exceptional concerts to the community. By donating to CSIC, you will be making it possible to rent performance spaces, pay artists' salaries, fund music purchases, and keep tickets free for students. In addition, your generosity will enable us to pursue exciting plans to share excellent choral music beyond our borders. In the spirit of unity and shared passion, we extend our gratitude for your steadfast support and look forward to celebrating the transformative power of music together. To make a gift, visit www.icchambersingers.org/support.
Alison Burchett, is president of CSIC and Katherine Eberle serves on the board. Both sing with CSIC.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Music Column: Holiday Voices Concert features Chamber Singers of Iowa City
