The Sacred Music Society of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church in Forest Hills is preparing to get the community ready for the holiday season with their annual Christmas Concert this weekend.
The Oratorio Society of Queens will join the Sacred Music Society to perform this concert on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 4 p.m., under the artistic direction of Maestro David Close, the music director of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs.
The first part of the concert includes highlights from the Christmas portion of Handel’s “Messiah.” The performance features Geraldine McMillian, soprano; John Easterlin, tenor; and Vaughn Fritts, bass-baritone with the Orchestral Arts Ensemble of Queens.
The second half of the concert features popular Christmas songs including Leroy Anderson’s ever-popular “Sleigh Ride,” “The First Nowell,” a musical meditation on this Christmas carol arranged by Mack Wilberg, and “Angels’ Carol” by John Rutter. Also featured in the show will be “A Christmas Cradle Song” by C.B. Hawley, specially arranged by Maestro David Close, Don Marsh’s “Ten Thousand Joys” and the always popular “The 12 Days of Christmas” arranged by Carmen Dragon, Oscar-winning Hollywood composer and arranger.
“The concert is a much-anticipated event at the church as parishioners and friends begin their preparations for the Christmas season,” said Liliana Morales of the Sacred Music Society. “It is an annual tradition that brings the whole community together as the entire audience joins in singing their favorite Christmas carols with the chorus and full orchestra.”
The concert is performed in the church which is located at 110-6 Queens Blvd. Tickets are $30 general admission and $10 for children 12 and under accompanied by an adult. For more information about the Christmas Concert call Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Rectory at 718-268-6251.
