35 Years of Holiday Cheer

The Western Reserve Chorale will begin the celebration of its 35th season with a concert of beautiful holiday music, featuring Bob Chilcott’s Gloria. This work is a vibrant, modern masterpiece that crackles with rhythmic energy and joyous celebration. Inspired by the structural brightness and driving vitality of Vivaldi’s famous setting, Chilcott translates the ancient Latin text into a contemporary choral landscape. Written for full choir without soloists, the work masterfully balances propulsive, syncopated outer movements with a tender, lyrical heart, culminating in a dancing and exultant Amen.

In addition to this dynamic work, the WRC will share music to the texts of two remarkable American female poets, Louisa May Alcott and Sara Teasdale. We will also perform songs for Hanukkah and Christmas, including a curious take on the Nutcracker ballet music and Mel Torme’s “chestnut” of a holiday choral song. And you will get to experience what happens when you combine a 15th century German Christmas carol with the music of Bette Midler.

We hope you will come kick off the holiday season by joining the Western Reserve Chorale at 3:30pm on Sunday, December 6, 2026 for this delightful concert at First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland [located at 3630 Fairmount Blvd, Shaker Hts, OH 44118]. All WRC performances are free and open to the public with donations gratefully accepted at the door and online.