Southern Delaware Chorale candlelight concerts set Dec. 1-2

The Southern Delaware Chorale will present performances of Candlelight Concert: Midnight Mass, at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 1, and 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach. 

This seasonal concert will feature professional instrumentalists including members of the Shrewsbury String Quartet. Performing on the harpsichord will be T.J. Thomas, minister of music at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Lewes.

The full complement of flutes and strings will be an integral part of the French Baroque masterwork, “Messe de Minuit pour Noël” (“Midnight Mass for Christmas”) by Marc-Antoine Charpentier. Dr. Colin Armstrong, artistic director and conductor, said, “[The work] is a beautiful mix of Medieval French Christmas carols and a traditional contrast of the full chorus and the solos performed by our own talented singers.”

The second half of the concert will feature seasonal selections that reflect the themes of light and peace. There will be familiar carols from the British Isles, the spiritual “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” an early American song written in Wilmington, and a song to celebrate Kwanza. Each audience member will receive an LED tea light candle to use for the sing-along choruses as the room lights are darkened.

Armstrong said, “We want to provide an immersive experience for those who attend these two special performances. To be surrounded by beautiful singing by candlelight is a truly heartwarming experience and a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season.”

Tickets are $25 at the door, or online at southerndelawarechorale.org.