Sing in the Holidays with the Sierra Master Chorale & Orchestra 

Grass Valley, CA – InConcert Sierra presents the Sierra Master Chorale & Orchestra in their holiday celebration, “Sing in the Season,” on Saturday, December 20, at 7:30 pm and Sunday, December 21, at 2 pm.

“This program offers fresh interpretations of classic holiday texts and beloved tunes,” says Conductor and SMC Music Director Alison Skinner, whose artistic vision brings sparkle and joy to the season.

The first half of the concert showcases the beauty of Christmas texts in Latin, blending historic works with new interpretations. “We open with an orchestral arrangement of ‘Adeste Fideles’ (‘O Come All Ye Faithful’), followed by choral settings of ‘Personent Hodie’ and “Gaudete,’ which show how composers reinvent old melodies with rhythmic counterpoints and exciting accompaniments,” Skinner explains. Audiences will also hear Mark Miller’s ethereal “O Magnum Mysterium”, Renaissance master Heinrich Schütz’s lively “Hodie Christus Natus Est,” and Franz Schubert’s exuberant “Magnificat,” with its reverent middle movement framed by energetic passages.

The second half features instantly recognizable holiday favorites, including “Carol of the Bells,” “Ding Dong Merrily on High,” “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” “God Rest You Merry Gentlemen,” and “The First Nowell.” Chanukah melodies such as “I Had a Little Dreidel,” “Ma’oz Tzur (“Rock of Ages”),” and “Jerusalem of Gold” add more warmth and variety. 

“I love the way these melodies are woven together—familiar tunes sparkling with the creativity of modern composers,” Skinner notes.

Spanning centuries and styles—from Renaissance and classical masterpieces to contemporary works—the program offers a rich musical experience for audiences of all ages. Sing-along selections invite everyone to join in, making this a lively and joyous celebration of the season.

“I love that our music represents a wide variety of religions, cultures, and languages and is a sweet and intimate local experience and a global celebration,” said Karel Hendee, SMC soprano.

With the concerts so close to holiday celebrations and parties, a festive sweet treat raffle will be held at both performances. Attendees will have the chance to win delicious baked treats, including cupcakes from Emily’s Cakes and Catering, chocolate chip cookies from Back Porch Market, fudge from Hindi Greenberg, cakes, pies, and more—adding an extra delicious touch to the holiday season.

The Sierra Master Chorale (SMC) is an auditioned community chorus and an integral part of InConcert Sierra’s Concert Series. Since its founding in 2008, SMC has performed regularly with the InConcert Sierra Orchestra. SMC continues ICS’s long-standing tradition of presenting world-class classical music since 1946, alongside educational programs and outreach. ICS is also developing Crown Point Venues, a new home featuring an acoustic concert hall, conference center, and black box theater.