Scenic City Chorale, a non-profit regional community chorus, will present its annual Christmas concert on Sunday Dec. 3 from 3-4:30 p.m. at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1505 N. Moore Road in Chattanooga. This year’s concert is dedicated to the memory of Bobbie (Mrs. Jake) Howell, the Chorale’s venerated manager, librarian and soprano, who passed away recently. The concert program will include selections ranging from classics by Bach, Handel and Mozart, to traditional carols.
A beautiful arrangement of “O Holy Night” will feature organ, piano and celesta, with vocal solo by guest soprano, Sophia Hassevort. Country music fans should enjoy a rollicking, “Christmas Carol Jamboree.” Chorale member Margaret Abernathy will perform a solo medley of familiar Christmas music.
Music director of the volunteer group is Jim Bailiff.
Nancy Teague is associate director. Accompanists are Freda Hart, Jim Martin and Cheryl McAfee, and all sing with the group when they are not playing. Additional instrumental musicians for the Christmas concert are flutist Ronda Benson Ford, percussionist Preston Gonter and guitarist Gary Hicks.
Now in its 59th year, the Scenic City Chorale includes retired senior citizens and others from throughout the Tennessee Valley who share a love of choral singing. These men and women gather for weekly rehearsals on Tuesday mornings from September through May. They perform winter and spring concerts, along with performances for nursing homes and other groups. New members are always welcomed.
Further information may be obtained by emailing sceniccitychorale123@gmail.com.
The Chorale’s varied repertoire includes music from Broadway and the American Songbook, traditional, folk, spirituals, classical and sacred works. Its continued success is fueled by the all-volunteer efforts of accompanists, conductors and the supporters who attend concerts and make voluntary, tax-deductible donations, officials said.