The 48th annual Cantorum "Christmas Memories" choral concert at 7 p.m. today at Jefferson City's Miller Performing Arts Center will be the first with new conductor Suzanne Barner Kitchen.
It is hardly Kitchen's first concert as a conductor, though.
The Columbia musician has 32 years of conducting experience, including the University of Missouri Chamber Singers, the Missouri Symphony Festival Chorus, large regional church choirs and small local congregational choirs.
Kitchen said she considers herself a "jack-of-all-trades."
She runs her own music studio and currently plays the organ and conducts two choirs for her church.
"I get so much joy and fulfillment from conducting, I find I don't miss the singing so much," said Kitchen, who has focused on conducting since earning a bachelor of music from the University of Missouri and a masters of music in piano performance and a master of music in choral conducting from the University of Missouri.
She is a member of the American Choral Directors Association and the National Guild of Piano Teachers. She and her husband, Newell, have three daughters, all accomplished musicians in their own right.
Since taking up the Cantorum baton in August, Kitchen said she has been delighted getting to know the talented and dedicated vocalists.
"I've done a lot of work with average people who love to sing; it's kind of my sub-specialty," Kitchen said.
Each group has its own flavor, its own strengths and weaknesses.
"It's a great process of discovery," Kitchen said.
As for the Cantorum, its strengths are a willingness to work, a love for the music, a commitment to the group and versatility, Kitchen said.
Cantorum began in 1967 as an informal mixed double quartet. The group soon grew to a full choir that performs music from pop to classical in concerts, conventions and community events. Cantorum has appeared with the Jefferson City Symphony, Kansas City Symphony and St. Louis Symphony.
"I like the fact that it's got a great legacy; I want to help lift it to new heights," Kitchen said.
That begins with this Christmas concert featuring 57 voices, pianist Jan Houser and a small orchestra comprised of members of the Jefferson City Symphony Orchestra.
Houser's Piano Studio students will perform in the Miller Center atrium before the concert.
"Christmas Memories," will celebrate the wonderful season with many familiar songs that will invoke memories of both Christmas past and Christmas present, said executive director Nancy Waggoner.
Selections will include traditionals like "And the Glory of the Lord," "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and other favorites like "Let it Snow," "Silver Bells" and "Winter Wonderland."
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 18 and younger, and $8 for adults age 65 and older. Family tickets are $25. Evening performance tickets are $1 higher.
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