By Laura Koenig | Echo
Harmonious voices, joyous Christmas carols and laughter of family and friends-the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir hopes to bring Christmas joy to this year's performances of "Festival of Carols."
As one of the nation's largest and oldest choruses, the 150-voice Indianapolis Symphonic Choir will join the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra to perform their annual "Festival of Carols" at the Palladium in the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana.
The "Festival of Carols" will include familiar favorites such as "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing," "I'll be Home for Christmas" and the "Hallelujah" chorus.
"There's something almost magical about being with the family . . . and that's especially the case during the holiday season," Pettry said. "It's incredible that singing . . . is present for so many milestones in life."
The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir is also celebrating its own milestone. It is the "Festival of Carols" 25th anniversary. The choir will be joined by two-time Grammy Award winner, soprano Sylvia McNair.
The choir also has seen multiple changes over the past quarter of a century in its performances and in its interaction with the surrounding community. The performances tend to switch between a reflective tone and a more joyful and celebratory tone from year to year.
"About 14 years ago, we added an educational component to 'Festival of Carols' that pairs local high schools with the Symphonic Choir for side-by-side rehearsals and performances," Pettry said. "Providing high-quality music education for students in our community has always been a focus of the choir, but perhaps never more so than is the case today."
With an emphasis on musical excellence, community outreach and family unity, the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir wants to spread the spirit of the holiday season through the magic of their voices and personal expression through musical talents.
"To provide such a beloved musical to the gift as 'Festival of Carols' each year-and now for more than 25 years-is a joy for all of us involved, and hopefully to each and every audience member . . . for kids from one to 92," Pettry said.
"Festival of Carols" will be held Dec. 18 and 19 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 3 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online at indychoir.org or by phone at (317) 940-9057 (Indianapolis Symphonic Choir) or (317) 843-3800 (Palladium box office). Prices range from $20-$40 and $15 for students.
