Occidental Community Choir Winter Concerts

The Occidental Community Choir c/o Beverly Riverwood/ Press contact 707-823-0974 briverwood@hotmail.com Choir Message phone: 874-8622 www.occidentalchoir.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: “Illuminations.” With their winter concert series, “Illuminations,” the Occidental Community Choir invites audiences to bask in the light of a brilliant selection of shining musical explorations, original songwriting, and even some works of irreverent humor. With new director Andy DelMonte at the helm, even longtime fans can expect an unusual and scintillating program of glowing holiday music. The program delves into a musical realm of light, with a repertoire drawn from near and far. Selections cover everything from the serene pleasures of home to the spacious pleasures of nature (especially of the sky!) We offer celebrations of many kinds of light, including that spiritual kind of light which is shed by freedom. The choir is especially pleased to offer a program which includes rhythmic pieces of traditional African music, arranged by Andy DelMonte, all celebrating that great light of Freedom, Nelson Mandela. The program is a study of contrasts, offering not only music from afar, but brand new music celebrating our own local scene in West County. “Winter in West County” pairs the words of Ellen Thompson and Reeta Roo with new music from Director DelMonte himself. Other pieces are also favorites waiting to happen. Alumni composing team Marcy Telles and Robin Eschner’s “Within Us All,” is a stirring tribute to the best in humanity. The late Chris Caswell’s “Farewell to the House” is a tribute to the comfort and love of home and a profound song of blessing. Add an adventuresome composition by Julie Middleton (“Miracles”) and the wonderful “O Nata Lux” by Morten Lauridsen, and you have an artistic listening experience that will illuminate your holidays with a sense of peace and joy. As director Andy DelMonte says, “We celebrate when we sing together, and I hope all who come can share in our celebration of light and joy throughout the human experience.” “Illuminations” Holiday concerts 2013 Directed by Andy DelMonte Friday, December 6, 8:00 pm. Saturday, December 7, 8:00 pm Friday, December 13, 8:00 pm Saturday, December 14, 8:00 Sunday, December 15, 3:00 pm. Matinee All concerts are at The Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Court, Occidental, CA 95465. Tickets are $15.00 for adults. Children twelve and under are admitted free. Tickets are available at the door and at www.occidentalchoir.org