Chorolaires go a caroling

WAYNE and PIKE COUNTIES, PA — The Wayne Choralaires will give three holiday concerts over the coming month: on Sunday, November 30, at 7:00 p.m. B.V.M. Queen of Peace Church, Church and Chestnut Streets, in Hawley; on Thursday, December 4, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church, in Carbondale; and on Sunday, December 7, at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. at the Honesdale Presbyterian Church, 10th and Church Streets, in Honesdale.

This year’s program is called “Christmas Time Is Here!” It has the Choralaires’ distinctive mixture of music old and new, sacred and secular, under the direction of Patricia Spoor. The concert begins with a traditional English song, “Here We Come A-Caroling,” followed by a medley of popular tunes, including “Christmas Time Is Here,” “The Christmas Waltz” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Other highlights include “How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place” from the Brahms requiem, the traditional “O Holy Night” and the playful “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”

Soloists will include Leah Sweighofer with “Christmas Time Is Here,” Debbie Dailey in a jazzy version of the popular “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” Valerie Hyduchak and Kevin Palan in “Home for the Holidays,” Melanie Hansen with the gospel spiritual “Mary, Did You Know?” and Rebecca Rowe in “Gloria in Excelsis,” a song that juxtaposes contemporary harmonies and a hymn written by Martin Luther.

Martha Heinly has returned as assistant director and accompanist for this concert.

As at past Choralaires concerts, a variety of local talent will be on hand to perform during the concert and at intermission. During the Honesdale and Hawley concerts, a flute trio made up of Betty Ann Robson, Kim Martin and Kelly Theobald will perform. At intermission at all concerts, the Choralaires are delighted to welcome the Northeasters Barbershop Chorus, who will perform an assortment of Christmas songs.

Admission is free, but free-will offerings will be accepted.