PORT TOWNSEND — “Behold New Joy,” one of the songs the Wild Rose Chorale will offer during separate concerts Friday and Sunday, could also be the theme of the two concerts.
At both, Wild Rose and director Leslie Lewis will join two more ensembles: the Port Townsend Youth Chorus and Colleen Johnson’s Summertime Singers.
Together, they will fill up First Presbyterian Church, 1111 Franklin St., with song at 7 p.m. Friday and again at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
Everybody is invited for “a big dose of holiday spirit,” as Wild Rose singer JES Schumacher promised — but this won’t be your typical Christmas fare.
“I like that we are doing a few songs that are very new for us,” said Lewis, who leads both Wild Rose and the PT Youth Chorus.
“White Winter Hymnal,” a song featuring body percussion at a level the group hasn’t done before, is on the itinerary.
So are some playful versions of classic and new seasonal tunes, said Lynn Nowak, Wild Rose’s spokeswoman.
In both concerts, the Wild Rose Chorale, the Summertime Singers and children in the PT Youth Chorus will sing sets of their own and then join together in two finale numbers.
Admission is a suggested $15 at the door, while more information awaits at www.wildrosechorale.org and 360-385-1402.
Four ancient carols
Among other works, the Summertime Singers will perform “Behold New Joy,” which combines four ancient carols into a modern piece.
Its composer is Shawn Kirchner, brother of local physician and singer Shannan Kirchner-Holmes.
There’s a lot going on in mid-December, Lewis acknowledged. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and stressed, she said, but music is a big help.
“When Wild Rose sings together, it brings everything back into perspective for me,” she added. “This is why we sing.”
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Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5062, or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.
