Joy: It’s the single most cited word used by choir members to describe their experience with the Redmond Community Choir.

The two-plus hours a week of rehearsal bring choir members nearly as much joy as performing in concert. And it’s what keeps us coming back.

It’s hard to believe that it’s now been more than five years since the Redmond Community Choir began. We have survived a number of challenges, including a two-year hiatus due to Covid, a Christmas concert that was postponed due to snow, and having to find an interim place to rehearse for several weeks last spring.

Over the past five years, the choir has become a valued contributor to the Redmond arts community. Its concerts are highly anticipated and well attended.

At more than 70 members, the choir is now at capacity, with many having been in the choir since its inception. Knowing the capabilities of our core group has allowed the choir’s founder and director, Ken Piarulli, to choose music that is appropriate for the singers’ skill level, yet challenges us to continue developing as musicians. It also allows him to showcase the considerable individual talent within the choir.

“We’re blessed to have some very talented musicians to accompany the choir,” said Piarulli. “This concert will feature three of our members accompanying on piano, as well as flute and electric bass accompaniment by two of our singers. We also have two music educators in our group, with whom I happily share the podium for three of our songs. And as for the choir, with a core of veteran singers and some new members, this is our best sounding group yet!”

Local musicians Lilli Worona and David Wentworth will also accompany the choir for this concert.

Joyful Noise

The community choir now have a small ensemble choir called “Joyful Noise” that performs at community functions and will be singing two selections at the upcoming concert. This group will also perform at the High Desert Music Hall for a free concert on Sat., Dec. 7 at noon, as part of the Deschutes Public Library’s “Know Gathering” series of programs.

The Program

Speaking of joyful noises, joy is one of the central themes of the upcoming concert; the other is peace. Both are especially appropriate sentiments for this holiday season as we count our blessings and spend time with our families.

The first half of the program includes a variety of music ranging from the Baroque era more than 300 years ago, to contemporary choral works.

Vivaldi’s “Gloria” is one of his most performed choral compositions, and it will open the concert to set the festive mood. The first half will also include a fun Zambian folk song, an a cappella Christmas gospel song, and a beautiful contemporary choral tribute to music. It will also feature a Billy Joel tune and a Christmas favorite performed by “Joyful Noise.”

The second half will open with a rousing holiday madrigal before moving to some traditional Christmas songs. There is something for everyone, as the choir sings compositions such as the beautiful “Lo, How a Rose” and “Venite Adoremus/Gesu Bambino,” which features a flute solo. There will also be more modern holiday songs like “Sleigh Ride,” before closing the concert with an exuberant song you won’t want to miss.

This year’s “Sounds of the Season” concert will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Redmond High School auditorium. Admission is free. Seating is on a first-come basis. Plan to arrive early.