Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

BRIDGEPORT— Hundreds turned out on Friday at the Fairfield University Quick Center for the Arts, where the Diocesan Youth Choir performed its 5th Annual “Arise and Shine” Christmas Concert before family, friends, and the general public.

Led by the gift choral conductor Mary Higgins of Wilton, the 140-member choir ran through traditional favorites and also added many surprises to the program.

The choir brought the audience to their feet several times include a rousing rendition of “A Million Dreams” from the movie The Greatest Showman.

The choir demonstrated its range, preparation and skill with the performance of an eight-movement Cantata called “The Glory of Christmas.”

Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, who founded the choir as an initiative of Synod 2014, was in attendance and was deeply moved by the singing and faith of the young people who ranged in age from 8th grade to college students who return each year for the concert.

One of the highlights of the evening was the singing of children’s choirs from five parishes including 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.

The choir, joined by the audience, closed the concert with its traditional ‘Dark is the Silent Night.

Auditions for next year’s choir will be held In January. To learn more about C4Y, please visit the Choir’s webpage.