One of Jefferson City's most revered and enduring Christmas traditions - the annual concert of Cantorum - is coming to the Miller Performing Arts Center stage at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10.
Executive director Nancy Waggoner said this 49th annual production will reflect the family-like atmosphere that glues the performers together, year in and year out.
Suzanne Barner Kitchen is the Cantorum musical director. The group will be accompanied by pianist Jan Houser and four instrumentalists: Bonnie Verdot on string bass; Matt Musselman on percussion; and Kelly Copeland and Tisha Celada on flute. Doors to the Miller Center open at 6 p.m. and early comers will be greeted with music performed in the atrium by students of the Jan Houser Piano Studio.
The 58-voice choir traces its roots to an informal mixed double quartet getting together to make some beautiful Yule season music in 1967. What began humbly so long ago has become a mainstay of the Christmas season in the Capital City, for families performed by the Cantorum family.
"We're like a family," Waggoner said. "We've all known each other so long and done these concerts so long together, we consider ourselves a family. Everyone pitches in and participates in making the Cantorum something special."
The 2016 Cantorum concert will be dedicated to the memory of two recently deceased members of that family: Rosemarie Campbell and Don Connor. They had been active with the Cantorum since the 1970s.
Reflecting on its 49-year history, Waggoner said, "The group soon grew to a full choir that performs music from pop to classical in concerts, conventions and community events." The Cantorum has performed with the Jefferson City, Kansas City Symphony and the St. Louis Symphony.
The Cantorum's 2016 "Christmas Comes Anew," Waggoner said, "will celebrate the wonderful season with many familiar songs that will invoke memories of both Christmas past and Christmas present. This concert is for all ages, young and old alike. Some of the selections are traditional Christmas songs that include 'Mary, Did You Know?,' 'Still, Still, Still' and 'Pat-a-Pan,'" she said. "Other favorites include 'I'll Be Home for Christmas,' 'An Irving Berlin Christmas' and a few surprises."
Samuel's Tuxedos and Gifts, Central Bank West, Hawthorn Bank East, Capital Music and Cantorum members have tickets for the concert. Tickets also may be purchased at the door the night of the concert. Prices for tickets purchased in advance are $10 for adults, $5 for youths 18 and under and $8 for seniors 65 and older. The Cantorum offers a special price for families of three to five people at $25. Tickets purchased the evening of the performance are $2 more.
Further information is available at jeffersoncitycantorum.com or by phone at 573-230-2715. The website also includes pictures from the group's rehearsals, performances and community events, audio recordings from past concerts, a Cantorum history and dates for upcoming events. Cantorum also has a Facebook page.
The "Friends of the Cantorum" provides the organization with a support group of music lovers who generate financial assistance and other help before, during and after the Christmas concert. Information about the Friends is available on the Cantorum website, including how to become a member.
"You will also find a listing of businesses that advertise in our concert programs, as well as information on placing an advertisement for future performances," Waggoner said. "There's even a place for you to volunteer to be an usher or help out in other ways."