GRAFTON — The 90-member River Singers Community Chorus invites you to its annual holiday concerts at the acoustically beautiful White Church in Grafton on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 8, at 4 p.m.
Led by Mary Cay Brass, the River Singers is a multi-generational chorus giving rise to an eclectic mix of community-based music from many cultural and musical traditions.
A typical River Singers holiday concert opens with songs celebrating the winter holidays. In that tradition, this year's opener is the rousing carol “Pentonville” from the vast repertoire of 18th century West Gallery songs sung in village churches throughout England.
Continuing in the holiday spirit, the choir will sing a contemporary version of the classic Jewish hymn traditionally sung at Shabbat feasts, “Hine Ma Tov,” by Rich Dworsky of “A Prairie Home Companion” fame.
Having studied and worked in the Balkan Peninsula in various capacities over the years, Brass says she cherishes the vibrant folk music traditions of the Southeast European region. As a consequence, River Singers audiences know to count on a generous selection of stirring, beautiful Balkan harmonies in each concert.
The December concerts feature three Macedonian songs learned last summer at the Village Harmony Music Camp in Macedonia. All three are on a theme of undying love accompanied a Balkan band led by Brass on accordion, Walter Slowinski on clarinet, Joe Blumenthal on bass, and Julian Gerstin on percussion.
American folk music, too, is an integral part of the wider world music community, and is always part of the River Singers' repertoire. This concert features the Appalachian song “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem,” learned from the singing of the amazing Sweetback Sisters.
Each season the choir hosts guest musician/teachers to delve more deeply into other traditions. This season's guest was John Harrison of the Montpelier Gospel Choir. His own soulful composition, “Grateful,” will be led by soloists Kathy Leo and Tom Goldschmid.
The choir also will sing a rousing version of the 1973 funk classic “Yes We Can Can,” recorded by the Pointer Sisters and arranged and taught by Harrison.
The gospel classic “Lily of the Valley” will feature soloist Will Danforth on lead.
Two songs from the African continent will be included in this festival of song.
This concert is raising money to further musical diplomacy between the United States and the Republic of Macedonia, specifically for bringing three talented Macedonian girls to a New England-based Village Harmony singing camp.