Sierra Master Chorale – Songs of Joy for the Holiday

Bring on the holiday cheer as our community’s own Sierra Master Chorale performs LIVE in concert on Saturday, Dec. 18 and Sunday, Dec. 19 in Grass Valley.  The choir brings the spirit of the season with traditional favorites and lesser-known gems.

The Sierra Master Chorale is conducted by Music Director Alison Skinner.  The SMC is smaller in number this cycle due to the current Covid situation; it will be joined by a chamber ensemble, instead of the full orchestra. 

“I’m thankful to the choir for rising to the challenge of working together to keep us all safe and singing. I’m excited for our first live performance since December 2019,” said Skinner.

The festive SMC holiday program will include beloved excerpts from Handel’s “Messiah” and Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio II.” It also includes Rutter’s playful “Shepherd’s Pipe Carol,” Isaacson’s spirited “Light the Legend,” Dilworth’s joyful Gospel piece “Celebrate the Newborn King,” Susa’s lively “Bell after Bell (Campana sobre Campana) from Carols and Lullabies,” and a beautiful rendition of “O’ Holy Night.”  There will also be a few instrumental works, such as Werner’s “Pastorella in D” and a surprise twist with LeRoy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.”

All of the performers are fully vaccinated. Each will be given the choice whether to wear a mask in accordance with the Nevada County Public Health Department’s mandate allowing stage performers who are fully vaccinated and have received negative results of a test for COVID-19 within 24 hours of their performance to not wear a mask while singing or performing.

The Covid restrictions in place for the holiday concerts include a vaccinated-only attendance policy, including youth. Masks will be required at all times indoors as mandated by the Nevada County Public Health Department. There will be no intermission, and the performance will be approximately 70-75 minutes. 

The concerts will take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, and at 2 p.m. Sunday,

Dec. 19 at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Grass Valley at 12889 Osborne Hill Road. For tickets or more information, please call 530-273-3990 or visit www.inconcertsierra.org

Sierra Master Chorale is an auditioned community choir founded in 2008. The choir is a part of InConcert Sierra, a Nevada County non-profit organization celebrating 75 years of presenting high-caliber classical music performances and robust music education offerings for all ages.