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Festival Chorale: Christmastime is Here
Treat yourself to a swirl of sparkle and song as the 26-voice Festival Chorale fills the air with festive cheer in two concerts, December 6 & 7, 3:00 pm, at the Mendocino Presbyterian Church, under the direction of Matthew Evans. From timeless carols to unexpected delights, every note is wrapped in warmth and joy, like the perfect gift you didn’t know you needed. Close your eyes and you’ll hear snow falling, sleigh bells chiming, and laughter by the fire—all conjured by voices that shimmer and soar. Whether you’re a carol connoisseur or just love the magic of live music, this program promises a heart-tugging, spirit-lifting celebration you’ll carry home long after the final chord.
A reception next door with cookies and holiday cheer follows both concerts.
Christmastime is Here – Vince Guaraldi, arranged by John Alexander
Somerset Carol – traditional
This Endris Night – traditional
See Amid the Winter’s Snow – arranged by David Willcocks
Wintertide – Ola Gjielo
The Holly and the Ivy – arranged by Matthew Culloton
No. 4, And the Glory of the Lord, from The Messiah – G.F. Handel
A Spotless Rose – Herbert Howells
Tyrley Tyrlow – Peter Warlock
Make We Joy – William Walton
What Child is This – arranged by Dan Ponce
I Saw Three Ships – arranged by David Willcocks
The Twelve Days of Christmas – arranged by John Rutter
Sleigh Ride – arranged by Andy Beck
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – arranged by Jay Althouse
- Soprano: Claire Armstrong, Barbara Barkovich, Safari Dushime, Cynthia Frank, Rachel Lahn, Katharine O’Shea, Linda Perry, Kathleen Rzeplinski, Raquel Taylor, Laura Vague
- Alto: Cathy Boxell, Jo Britton, Ann Early, Deborah Farmar, Evelyn Harris, Cathy Jordan, Bessy Krauss
- Tenor: Kom Dixon, Pamela Hudson, John Miller, Ernest Witt
- Bass: James Blanton, Alexander Brittain, Paul Friesen, Jason Kirkman, Randy Knutson
Matthew Evans, Chorale Director; Robin Knutson, Accompanist
Saturday, December 6, 2025 and Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 3:00 PM.
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The Mendocino Music Festival Chorale was formed in 2018 as an offshoot of the much larger Festival Chorus, whose members were invited to audition. The work has been ongoing, even throughout the pandemic, creating heart-warming and memorable concerts. If you’d like to support this excellent singing, please consider joining the Friends of the Chorale.
Festival Artistic Director Allan Pollack: “I’ve been touched by the dedication of the members of the Festival Chorus, and so have wanted to create an opportunity for people who are ready to take their choral singing to the next level.”