The VOICES of Kentuckiana holiday concert this weekend was a true gift. The concert, "Voices of Holidays Past" was as nostalgic as the name implies. They delivered 18 selections from previous concerts over their 17 seasons.
An added bonus this concert was the introduction of the choir's new interim artistic director, Matthew Butterfield. Butterfield handily managed the 40-plus chorus and injected some great humor as well.
The tone of the first act was tender and took the audience on a Dickens-type journey to Christmases past. "Christmas Memories" was a special treat, a piece commissioned by member Dr. Steve Adams in honor of his late mother. The arrangement of "Grown Up Christmas List," which included drums by K. Michelle Lewis, was a great surprise. The lower voices sang "You're Home for the Holidays,"which told a wonderfully funny story of family acceptance. The first act ended with "Yule Be Swingin'," a swing-inspired medley of "Holly Jolly Christmas," "Let It Snow," and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree".
The second act opened with the quietly reflective "Little Tree." "Children, Go Where I Send Thee" and "Riu, Riu, Chiu" brought lively performances from the chorus. The upper voices' piece, "Candlelight Carol," directed by member and guest conductor Alise Oliver included a brief but wonderful piano solo by accompanist Dan Martin.
The VOICES holiday concert certainly set the tone for a great holiday season. Their next concert will be April 28-29, 2012, also at the Ursuline Arts Center.
Photo: Courtesy www.voicesky.org.