Blue Ridge Singers Bring Holiday Cheer with Four-Concert Christmas Series

The Blue Ridge Singers return this December with a heartwarming concert series, sure to bring the spirit of the season to communities across the northern Shenandoah Valley. With four performances spanning two weekends, this year’s program, titled The Very Best Time of Year, promises classic carols, rich harmonies, and joyful surprises—all for free.

The ensemble’s artistic director, Dr. Jeff Alban, shares a behind-the-scenes look at what’s in store.

“We’re singing some favorites, some new arrangements, and even throwing in a little yodeling,” Alban said with a smile. “There’s something for everyone in this program.”

The 2025 holiday concert schedule includes:

• Friday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. – Front Royal Presbyterian Church
• Sunday, Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. – Trinity Episcopal Church, Upperville
• Friday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. – Trinity Episcopal Church, Little Washington
• Sunday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. – First Baptist Church, Winchester

The concerts are free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted to help support the group’s ongoing work, including a major spring concert featuring a brass orchestra, organ, and soloists.

A Diverse Program with Local Heart

This season’s theme, The Very Best Time of Year, comes from a reimagined version of a John Rutter holiday piece. Composer Owen Park’s arrangement features up to twelve vocal parts simultaneously, with layered textures and warm melodies. “It retains that beautiful Rutter feel,” Alban said. “It’ll make you smile, no matter what kind of day you’ve had.”

In keeping with the group’s inclusive approach to programming, the concert will feature a blend of traditional and contemporary selections. Audiences can expect a vibrant percussion-driven piece by Mark Burrows, a hauntingly beautiful women’s choir setting of Tota Pulchra Es Maria by Maurice Duruflé, and a spirited African-American spiritual arranged by Stacey Gibbs titled Ain’t That a Rockin’.

The concert also includes a personal tribute to the late Jim Laster, a former music director at Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville and a friend to many in the Blue Ridge Singers community. The choir will perform its lively arrangement of “Christmas in Six” (also known as “Carol Fest”), weaving together six familiar carols in a festive finale.

“Every audience member will know at least a few of them, and maybe all of them,” Alban noted.

While this year’s program doesn’t feature a traditional sing-along, Alban hinted that audience participation might sneak in at the end. “There’s one piece that could open the door,” he said. “And let’s be honest, people will be humming along no matter what.”

From Rehearsal Room to Holiday Magic

Behind each performance are 15 weeks of rehearsal and careful preparation. With around 50 volunteer singers, the Blue Ridge Singers operate with professional-level commitment, blending vocal talent with discipline and passion.

“People don’t always realize how much work goes into a choral concert,” Alban said. “Scores are expensive. Musicians have to be brought in. It requires a significant amount of energy, time, and resources. But it’s worth it for the moment we get to share the music.”

Each concert concludes with a reception, allowing the audience to meet the singers, chat with Alban, and savor refreshments in a relaxed and friendly setting.

“It’s not just a concert, it’s a community experience,” Alban said. “We want people to feel part of something when they come.”

Looking Ahead: Spring Ambitions and New Voices

After the holiday season, the Blue Ridge Singers will begin preparing for their ambitious spring concert featuring Joseph Jongen’s Mass, Opus 130, complete with brass orchestra and organ. It’s a major undertaking, and part of why the group welcomes donations from those who enjoy their performances.

Auditions for new singers will be held from December 16 to January 6 for the spring season, which begins rehearsals in early January.

The audition process, Alban emphasized, is low-pressure and designed to match voices to the right section, not to exclude. “If you can carry a tune and are willing to commit, we’ll help you reach your full potential,” he said.

With a commitment to musical excellence and a generous spirit, the Blue Ridge Singers continue to grow as a fixture in the region’s cultural landscape, one note, one concert, and one carol at a time.

“This is the time of year when music brings people together,” Alban said. “We’re just grateful to be part of that tradition and to share it with our neighbors.”

For details, directions, and donation info, visit www.blueridgesingers.org.