Maricopa Music Circle, Maricopa Chorus join forces for holiday spectacular

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The Maricopa Music Circle (MMC) and Maricopa Chorus will perform together at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18, in a concert guaranteed to lift spirits with the sounds of the season.

The production will serve up a feast for both ears and eyes with projections, caroling, and art-on-the-spot by Jenniann West.

After a collection of seasonal orchestral and choral favorites both familiar and new, combining alluring melody and intriguing, toe-tapping rhythms to embody the many moods of Christmastime, from joy to reverence, a tasty reception will follow.

Majesty, mystery, beauty, great joy, and reverence percolate through a rich program that includes two Maricopa premieres:

Elgar’s Harmony Music rings in the evening, followed by Irving Berlin’s beloved “White Christmas”, The First Noël, Mary did you know?,  Bach’s majestic Prelude and Fugue, a Hanukkah Suite,  Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Tchaikovsky’s iconic Nutcracker, and more.

The performance will also include a “glorious garland” of Choral Carols, chorus-with-orchestra “Hark! The herald angels sing” (whose familiar melody was composed by Felix Mendelssohn) and Adeste fidelis, and vocal solos including Panis Angelicus. Four movements from Handel’s monumental MESSIAH cap the evening, including the chorus “Glory to God in the highest”. Following a Maricopa tradition, the concert will close with a sing-along to the great Hallelujah Chorus – so bring your music and be ready to join in.

Now in its 12th season, MMC is unique because it performs standard orchestral music and popular favorites entirely without a conductor. Its instrumentation morphs regularly as new performers come on board — producing a rich, colorful, and true symphonic sound. MMC  features local musicians sharing their artistry and love of music.  MMC performs throughout the City of Maricopa, including venues from Maricopa City Hall to the Ultrastar Ak-Chin facility and nearby cities. MMC programs are diverse, including selections from orchestral works and solos, seasonal music, popular tunes, jazz and great big-band standards.  All arrangements are specially adapted for MMC.

The Maricopa Chorus launched in 2013 under the direction of founder John Janzen.  Its current director, Don Raflik, continues the group’s dedication to traditional songs of the season.  Look for Maricopa Chorus performances, with members dressed in unique period costumes, at various locations in Maricopa during the Christmas season.

WANT TO GO?

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m.

WHERE: Conference Center at the University of Arizona – Maricopa Agricultural Center, 37530 W. Smith-Enke Road, Maricopa, AZ 85138

COST: Tickets sold at the door, will cost $15 for adults and $10 for students (Cash or check)

MORE INFO: [email protected]  / call (520) 510-4107 / visit MMC & MC on FB