Valley Concert Chorale to Perform Annual Holiday Concerts December 12, 2009

Dec. 12 8pm Livermore and Dec. 13 3pm Pleasanton

The Valley Concert Chorale, the Tri-Valley's premier chorus, will perform their annual holiday concerts, which includes the ever-popular audience sing-a-long of traditional carols. Two concerts on Sat., Dec. 12, at 8 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 4th and L Streets, Livermore; and Sun., Dec. 13, at 3 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1225 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton.

This year's holiday concerts titled "Harmonious Holiday" features three musical selections representing a variety of music: Saint-Saens' Oratorio de Noel (Christmas Oratorio), Stephen Paulus' Christmas Dances, and Courtney's A Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas.

A highlight of the program is the West Coast premiere of Paulus' Christmas Dances, which was first performed in Arkansas last December.

"We are very excited to be premiering this new work by Stephen Paulus," says Doris Slater, the Chorale's president. "It's a wonderful piece to introduce to our audience that captures the spirit of the season."

"Paulus is one of the greatest living American choral composers," explains Bush. "Knowing his music, I was anxious to share this piece with the community. It combines voices with flute and harp in creating beautiful lush chords."

The Oratorio, written in the Romantic style in 1858, was commissioned by the Church of France for Christmas Eve mass. Accompanied by harp, organ and professional soloists, Bush describes it as a gentle, lyrical sacred piece that is not often performed yet is deserving of attention.

Courtney's version of the "Twelve Days of Christmas" comprises every genre of music from the earliest medieval chants to early 19th century American. "It's pure fun," says Bush. "You'll hear the words of "Twelve Days" set to familiar pieces representing every period of musical history."

Official Website: http://www.valleyconcertchorale.org/