BRIDGEPORT—Performance of an eight-movement Cantata called “The Glory of Christmas” will be among the highlights of this year’s “Arise and Shine” Christmas Concert set for Friday December 20, 7: 30 p.m. at Fairfield University Quick Center for the Arts.
The Diocesan Choir for Youth (C4Y) under the direction of Mary Higgins of Wilton, will be celebrating its 5th Anniversary Season. A former professional opera soprano, Higgins is highly regarded for her work in conducting large music ensembles for schools and civic groups, and is the founding director of the Diocesan Youth Choir.
More than 140 singers from grade six through seniors in college will perform traditional carols and contemporary favorites during this year’s concert, which will be attended by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano.
In addition to choir members and college-age alumni who return for the concert each year, children’s choirs from five parishes will be joining the performance. The schools include Our Lady of Fatima in Wilton, St. Matthew in Norwalk, St. Theresa and St. Catherine of Siena in Trumbull, and n Trumbull, and the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist in Stamford.
Higgins said the Christmas Cantata will be presented in the style of “Lessons and Carols,” with three narrators including Deacon John DiTaranto, chaplain of Notre Dame High School; Father Bob Kinnally, diocesan Chancellor and Pastor of St. Aloysius Parish; and Ursula Hanavan, a C4Y parent from Our Lady of Fatima parish.
Higgins said this year’s concert will introduce a Harp to the nine piece instrumental ensemble providing the music.
Those who have attended previous concerts can expect to hear audience favorites including “O Holy Night,” the traditional “Siyahamba” sung in Zulu, and “Believe” from the Polar Express, along with a few surprises.
“We’ll close the concert with our traditional ‘Dark is the Silent Night,’ which calls for audience participation and brings the night to a more quiet and beautiful conclusion, with full company on stage,” said Higgins.
General Admission tickets are $22. Tickets can be purchased online at www.quickcenter.fairfield.edu. You can also call 203.254.4010 or toll-free 1.877.ARTS.396.
To learn more about C4Y, please visit the Choir’s webpage.
