Dearborn Holiday Choral Festival Program Announced

The Dearborn Community Chorus, directed by Marcus LaPratt, and Vanguard Voices, directed by G. Kevin Dewey, will celebrate the season at the Dearborn Holiday Choral Festival at 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, in the Michael A. Guido Theater at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave.

The Dearborn Community Chorus will perform seasonal selections featuring “Rock Him in the Manger” (Kirby Shaw), “Merry Christmas Jazz” (Tom Cunningham), and other favorites which feature soloists as well as harp and piano accompaniments.

Vanguard Voices will present the world premieres of “Tread Softly” (Frank La Rocca) and “Garments of Grace” (Lawrence A. Wik), both commissioned for the Vanguard Premieres program, along with selections by Benjamin Britten, Gerald Custer, and Harold Darke.

The combined choirs, joined by Macomb Chorale and the Dearborn Symphony Chamber Orchestra, will perform Michigan composer and conductor Stuart Scott’s modern interpretation of Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria.” This exciting revision incorporates styles from jazz waltz to Latin to swing while using a larger and more varied orchestration, including a rhythm section of piano, bass, and drums.

Vanguard Male Chorus will sing carols in the lobby from 6:15-6:45 p.m. Audience members are also invited to a punch and cookies reception immediately following the concert.

Reserved tickets, priced at $18, $15, $11, and $6 (student) are available at The Center’s box office, which is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call 313-943-2354 or visit www.dearborntheater.com.

Dearborn Community Chorus and Vanguard Voices are sponsored by the Dearborn Recreation & Parks Department. The Holiday Choral Festival receives support from the Dearborn Community Fund.