“Tidings of Joy” is the theme of the Galveston College Community Chorale’s annual
holiday concert on Sunday, Dec. 15, beginning at 7 p.m. at Moody Methodist Church,
2803 53rd St., Galveston, Texas. The free concert is open to the public.
Under the direction of Michael Gilbert, the chorale will feature a performance of
“Christmas Day: Choral Fantasy on Old Carols” by English composer Gustav Holst (1874-1934)
accompanied by a string ensemble and organ. Holst is best known for his masterpiece
”The Planets.”
While music director at Morley College, Holst dedicated “Christmas Day” to the music
students. It was first performed on Jan. 28, 1911. The piece is composed of four familiar
Christmas carols with “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “The First Noel” as the most
prominent.
The chorale also will perform other holiday music, including “Angels We Have Heard
on High,” “Silent Night,” an early American hymn entitled “Brightest and Best,” along
with such favorites as “Sleigh Ride” and Winter Wonderland.”
Internationally acclaimed organist, Ron Wyatt, the chorale’s accompanist, also will
be featured in a special musical presentation on the pipe organ.
The chorale is composed of singers from the greater Galveston area and is open to
individuals who are interested in singing and being a part of an outstanding choral
organization.
For more information on joining the Galveston College Community Chorale, contact the
Galveston College Continuing Education office at (409) 944-1344.