Choirs to sing in the holidays

Sacramento State Chamber Choir

Sacramento State’s choirs are poised to fill Sacramento’s Sacred Heart Church with inspirational harmonies during a set of holiday concerts featuring works from the ancient to the contemporary.

The University’s Concert Choir, Chamber Choir and University Chorus, all under the direction of Sacramento State professor Donald Kendrick, open the season with “Heaven on Earth” at 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 12 at Sacred Heart Church at 39th and J Streets.

The concert will include American works addressing dreams and prayer performed by the Concert Choir, with pieces by composers Gwyneth Walker, Eric Whitacre and Shawn Kirchner. The Chamber Choir will perform early and modern compositions – including chants – on the themes of peace and hope, and the University Chorus will present works that focus on the crucifixion and enlightenment.

Proceeds from the performance will be used to help fund the choirs’ upcoming tour of China in July.

The overwhelmingly successful “Procession of Carols” follows on the first weekend of December. The 21st annual presentation of holiday choral music opens at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3 at Sacred Heart Church and continues at 2 and 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4. The holiday event features innovative and traditional carols, candlelit processions and an audience sing-along. It sells out year after year.

Advance purchase of tickets for the performances is recommended. Tickets are $10 general and $5 for students and seniors, and are available from the Sacramento State Ticket office at 278-4323 or Tickets.com. More information is available from the Sacramento State music department at 278-5155 or online at www.csus.edu/music/choral.