The Greater Milford Community Chorus Dazzles in their Annual Holiday Concert

By Jennifer Russo

The Greater Milford Community Chorus delivered a lovely performance at their annual holiday program this season, leaving the audience with smiles as they joyfully went into the festive season. With a program that seamlessly blended the classic carols we know and love, modern song arrangements and medleys, and solo performances, the show brought the warmth of the holidays to the stage beautifully. It was definitely a highlight of the community’s seasonal celebrations.

Under the direction of Mark Schiappucci, the chorus of fifty-five members is comprised of people who live in Milford and surrounding towns, with varying musical experience. From professional singers to those who simply love singing as a hobby, the chorus brings together members of all ages and backgrounds to create beautiful harmonies. 

This year’s program, which the chorus titled “Silver Bells,” included sixteen chorale songs such as “We Three Kings,” “O Holy Night,” “Do You Hear What I Hear,” and a beautiful Jewish-faith song called “Hanukkah Wish.” Medleys included a nod to Christmas songs performed on Broadway and an innovative arrangement of popular songs combined with the song “Holiday Road,” a song made popular by the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

There were three solo performances, including a piano instrumental of The Christmas Song with the chorus accompanist Wayne Ward, a beautiful rendition of “All is Well” with soprano Carly Alden, and an original piece titled “Under a Star So Bright” written and performed by tenor Jeff Lovell. Also featured were the combined talents of Zachary Surapine, who sang as a tenor, but also performed two beautiful violin solos in the program.

The chorus is always welcoming new singers and rehearsals for the Spring season begin on Monday, January 6th at Memorial Hall in Milford, starting at 7 p.m. There are no auditions and just a basic understanding of music is necessary. Interested members of the community are welcome to come to the first few rehearsals before making a commitment to join. 

Learn more on the GMCC website at greatermilfordcommunitychorus.org or on their Facebook page at facebook.com/SoundsOfGMCC.