The last time the Jefferson City Cantorum took the stage for a Christmas performance was 2019. This Saturday, though, the group joins together for Here We Come A-Caroling.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert will begin at 7 p.m at Miller Performing Arts Center.
"There's nothing more wonderful than walking out on stage and seeing the place filled up. That's the biggest thing I want for my choir members is for them to walk out and see a big audience," said Suzanne Barner Kitchen, the Cantorum's musical director since 2015.
Prior to the performance, students from the Jan Houser Piano Studio will greet the audience. Additionally, pianist Jan Houser will accompany the Cantorum. Other talent will include violinists Aleks Wissinger, Jeanie McGowan and Barbara King and cellist Kristen Ferguson.
Performers have been rehearsing weekly since the beginning of August at First Baptist Church in preparation for this weekend's concert. Pieces include "White Christmas," "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "O Come, Emmanuel."
"Anything you may hope to hear in a holiday concert will be on the program," Barner Kitchen said.
Tickets for the holiday performance are sold at the downtown and east Hawthorn Bank locations, West Central Bank, Capital Music and from Cantorum members. Prices prior to the night of the performance are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for youths. Group tickets for three to five immediate family members are available for $25. The night of the show, prices increase $2.
For this concert, the Jefferson City Cantorum is made up of approximately 50 members. Since the group's foundation in 1967, it has featured more than 650 singers. Each member has auditioned and been admitted to the choir.
Auditions for the spring season will be Jan. 19 and 26, and those interested can inquire for an audition packet by emailing [email protected].
"Cantorum is a great opportunity. It takes people of all different kinds, varying occupations, ages, faiths or politics. It brings them together in a unity of purpose, as we all work toward a common goal," Barner Kitchen said.
Eileen Wisniowicz/News Tribune photo: Suzanne Barner Kitchen directs the Jefferson City Cantorum during a practice on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2022. The practice is one of the cantorum's final before its concert on Dec. 10.
Eileen Wisniowicz/News Tribune photo: Jan Houser plays piano during practice for the Jefferson City Cantorum on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2022.
Eileen Wisniowicz/News Tribune photo: Galen Maples sings with the Jefferson City Cantorum during a practice on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. The cantorum is looking forward to performing at their Christmas concert on Dec. 10.
Eileen Wisniowicz/News Tribune photo: Caroline Ward sings the song 'White Christmas' with the Jefferson City Cantorum during a practice on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. The cantorum is preparing for its upcoming Christmas concert on Dec. 10.
Eileen Wisniowicz/News Tribune photo: The baritones and bassinets of the Jefferson City Cantorum practice for their upcoming concert. The concert will feature traditional Christmas songs brought to life in unique ways by the cantorum.