The OCTC Community Chorus is gearing up for one of its largest holiday concerts yet, with director Dr. Connie Ford saying the nearly 50-voice ensemble will offer “gorgeous pieces” spanning a wide range of Christmas styles.
The free concert is set for 7 p.m. on December 8 at First Christian Church, 700 J.R. Miller Boulevard. The chorus, accompanied by pianist Anna Sparks, will perform works by 17th-, 20th-, and 21st-century composers. Guest artists include pianist Angela Bruce and oboist Meggan Clark.
“Our pieces are varied,” Ford said. “They’re all Christmas-focused, but with quite a variety of styles. Some are peppy and quick, and some are more reflective.”
Ford said the group will open and close with pieces requiring “two pianists for each work,” calling the accompaniments “exciting” both for singers and the audience. She added that Clark’s return adds “a neat instrumental color” to the program. Another selection highlights the men’s section alone — something Ford has been hoping to incorporate for several semesters.
The chorus includes participants ranging from high school students to retirees, with some members traveling from neighboring counties for weekly rehearsals. Ford said the long-running tradition continues because of the singers’ passion and the community’s support.
“It’s great music we offer,” she said. “It’s a great group of music-minded people who love to perform and really care about what they’re doing. They admire fine choral literature, and they love to perform it.”
The performance is expected to last about an hour.
