Old North Festival Holiday Concerts THIS WEEKEND

While Covid-19 has again interrupted our traditional Festival Chorus Holiday Concert plans, we press on and adapt!

After last year’s forced absence, the Old North Festival Holiday Concerts return in modified form during this year’s Christmas Walk, on Saturday, December 4th at 8 p.m., and Sunday, December 5th at 7:30 p.m. Maria vanKalken, Minister of Music at Old North Church, celebrates her 33rd season as Director of the Festival Chorus – despite a recent fall and damage to her head and shoulder.

This year’s Concerts will feature the Festival Orchestra, and Soloists: Holly Cameron, soprano; Gabriela Fagen, mezzo-soprano; Kevin Hayden, tenor; Daniel Fridley, bass; and Michael Galvin, bass, in seasonal works for solo voices by J.S. Bach, Purcell, Handel and Mendelssohn, together with the Old North Bell Choir under the leadership of Liz Smith

While the Chorus will have to wait until next year to perform again, we will be able to enjoy the concerts as audience members, and will greatly enjoy singing the carols along with the audience!

The concerts will have a reduced capacity and last 75 minutes with no intermission. Proof of vaccination will be required for admission and properly-fitted masks must be worn at all times in the Church.

Tickets are available at Arnould Gallery and Crosby’s Marketplace; or online at onchurch.org/festivalchorus and, with seating limited, should be purchased in advance. Further information can be obtained by calling 781.608.2782.

The format may be different this year, but all involved – orchestra, soloists and audience – will rejoice in being able to make music together again!