Choral music to brighten the season

Always a favorite with Sisters Country holiday merrymakers, Sisters High Desert Chorale and Bell Choir will present their winter concert this month. The first of two will be performed Friday, December 13, at 7 p.m. The second will sound off at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 15. Both concerts take place at Sisters Community Church located at 1300 McKenzie Highway in Sisters, where there is plenty of free parking.

The concerts themselves are free, but patrons are asked to make a small donation to cover the refreshments, including baked goodies, served at intermission.

Photo by Bill Bartlett

The concerts are under the direction of Irene Liden with Becky Smith accompanist, and Lola Knox director of the Twelve Tones Bell Choir.

Liden told The Nugget, "The program will consist of various styles and languages representing a variety of cultures and countries."

She went on to say, "Music is a universal language that reaches beyond borders. No matter where you're from, music is something which can unite and bring peace to us all."

The 40-plus strong group, originally formed as Sisters Community Choir in 2007, was rebranded in 2014 by founding director Irene Liden whose career included 40 years teaching music theory, music ensembles, classes and private voice; and as a professional opera singer in Santa Fe, New Mexico, performing with the Shreveport Opera Company in Louisiana, and Chautauqua Opera Company in New York.

Kristen Hansen will perform as a clarinet soloist.

Liden promises a fun range of works, some to which the audience will be asked to join in. "There will be a Jewish piece, Hine Ma Tov, usually played at Jewish weddings and festivals. The refrain in this Hebrew song is the equivalent to our "Fa, la, la's" in 'Deck the Halls,' giving great spirit and joy," she said with glee.