Choral Society to perform annual Thanksgiving concert
Published 9:45 am Saturday, November 2, 2024
The Choral Society of West Georgia is poised to enchant audiences with its much-anticipated annual Thanksgiving concert, scheduled for the weekend of November 23-24.
This year’s concert, aptly titled Seasons of Gratitude: A Concert of Thanksgiving and Praise, is a heartfelt celebration that marks a cherished tradition for the Choral Society, which proudly commemorates its remarkable 20th season this year.
Under the expert direction of Andrew Harry, the concert promises to be a captivating experience, featuring guest narration from the talented Andrew Gordon. Attendees will enjoy performances by all the society’s members, accompanied by the melodious talents of Ken Passmore on piano and additional guest musicians on organ and percussion, bringing a rich and varied sound to the program.
“We’re going to be doing a wide variety of choral pieces that touch on a lot of different aspects of life,” Harry emphasized, highlighting the concert’s diverse repertoire.
The concert will include beloved American hymns such as Come Thou Fount and My Song in the Night, alongside several autumn-themed works that evoke the spirit of the season.
Harry elaborated, stating that most of the music selected for this performance is deeply rooted in themes of gratitude and thankfulness, aiming to enrich the audience’s appreciation of this often-overlooked holiday.
While many consider Thanksgiving to be the starting point for the festive Christmas season, Harry clarified that the concert will exclusively celebrate Thanksgiving and intentionally exclude any Christmas music. “We do it this way because we feel that Thanksgiving is the holiday that sort of gets passed over. Our goal is to bring attention to another holiday that’s very important but that usually gets lost in Christmas,” he explained.
“This concert has something for everybody. It features some very traditional major choral works, as well as some contemporary settings that are absolutely stunning. I believe it’s going to be an interesting concert for anyone, whether they’re seasoned choral veterans or just seeking an intriguing musical experience. I think it’s going to be a treat for anyone who attends,” Harry remarked, showcasing his enthusiasm for the event.
Seasons of Gratitude will be performed on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 24, at 4 p.m. at the historic First Presbyterian Church in LaGrange.
Tickets are priced at $20, with a discounted rate of $10 for students with valid ID.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit choralsocietyofwestgeorgia.org.
**Interview with Andrew Harry, Director of the Choral Society of West Georgia**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Andrew. The Choral Society of West Georgia is celebrating its 20th season this year. Can you tell us what this milestone means to you and the organization?
**Andrew Harry:** Thank you for having me! Celebrating our 20th season is incredibly meaningful for us. It represents two decades of music, community, and growth. We’ve fostered a space for local talent and audiences to come together in appreciation of choral music, and we’re proud of the relationships we’ve built along the way.
**Interviewer:** This year’s annual Thanksgiving concert is titled ”Seasons of Gratitude: A Concert of Thanksgiving and Praise.” Can you share what inspired this theme?
**Andrew Harry:** Absolutely! Thanksgiving is an opportunity to reflect on the blessings in our lives. The theme “Seasons of Gratitude” resonates with the idea that gratitude can be expressed in various ways throughout the year. We wanted the concert to encapsulate that sentiment, celebrating both the beauty in the seasons of our lives and the importance of appreciation and community.
**Interviewer:** The concert will feature guest narration from Andrew Gordon and music by Ken Passmore. How do you choose the pieces that will be performed?
**Andrew Harry:** The selection process is quite collaborative. We consider a wide spectrum of choral works that convey different emotions and messages. With Andrew Gordon’s narration, we hope to create a narrative thread that connects the performances, enhancing the overall experience. As for Ken Passmore and the guest musicians, their involvement allows us to diversify our sound and add depth to the pieces.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like this concert will offer a rich experience for the audience. What do you hope they take away from the performance?
**Andrew Harry:** Our goal is for the audience to leave feeling uplifted and connected. Music has a powerful way of touching our hearts and prompting reflection. We hope that our concert not only entertains but also inspires gratitude and appreciation for life’s moments—big and small.
**Interviewer:** That’s a beautiful sentiment. Is there anything else you would like to share with those considering attending the concert?
**Andrew Harry:** I invite everyone to join us for what promises to be a memorable weekend! The sense of community and joy found in sharing music is truly special. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or experiencing our concert for the first time, your presence will enhance our celebration of gratitude. Thank you!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Andrew. Best of luck with the concert!
