This week, the Upper School Choirs presented their 11th annual Winter Masterworks Concert led by Dana Self, Director of Choirs. There were two identical performances on Wednesday, one at 4:00 p.m. and one at 7:00 p.m. in Orthwein Theatre.
The choir, accompanied by a professional orchestra, performed works by George Frideric Handel, including his famous Coronation Anthems No. 1 & 2 (Zadok the Priest and The King Shall Rejoice), For Unto Us A Child is Born (from Messiah), and Hallelujah, Amen (from Judas Maccabeus). This year marks the 300th anniversary of Joy to the World, which many credit Handel for composing. In celebration of this special anniversary, the choirs performed John Rutter’s arrangement of this popular carol.
The students rounded out the concert with a few holiday favorites: Sleigh Ride, Jingle Bells, Deck the Hall and a new arrangement of Winter Wonderland, complete with a surprise that delighted the audience. It’s not often that snow flies in Orthwein Theatre!
As is tradition, the choir invited the alums and adults in the audience to join in singing the Hallelujah Chorus at the end of the concert. “It’s exciting to see students, faculty, staff, parents and alumni on stage singing together,” said Mr. Self. “I hope our evening of wonderful music put everyone in the holiday spirit.”
Bravo to all performers at the 11th annual Winter Masterworks Concert!