It wouldn’t be Christmas in the Lehigh Valley without the harmonious voices of the St. Luke’s Singers. So don’t miss this chance to hear them.
The St. Luke’s Singers (FILE PHOTO)
All are invited to the Singers’ annual Christmas concert–a Lehigh Valley tradition–on Sunday, Nov. 25 at Wesley Methodist Church, 2540 Center Street in Bethlehem. Preludes begin at 2:45 p.m. and the concert begins at 3 p.m.
A Lehigh Valley musical institution, the St. Luke’s Singers are a renowned hospital-based choir that performs on behalf of St. Luke’s University Health Network, the Lehigh Valley’s biggest health care provider as well as the region’s oldest.
Founded in Bethlehem to care for steelworkers in 1872, the Singers are an extension of St. Luke’s tradition of caring in the Christmas City. Through their music, listeners gain an appreciation of St. Luke’s long and storied history and its deep roots in the community.
The Singers’ performances raise funds for various St. Luke’s community programs. In fact, since 1991 they’ve raised more than $250,000 for a number of altruistic endeavors.
On Nov. 25 the Singers will perform familiar Christmas carols in new arrangements.
“Sing, Sing Noel!” is based on a traditional French carol in a new setting by Mark Burrows. The choir is preparing “Carols Around” by Pennsylvania resident Carl Nygard. Dave Heine will be featured on piccolo and flute on John Rutter’s “Shepherd’s Pipe Carol.”
The second half of the concert will feature more contemporary holiday classics such as “Winter Wonderland,” “Santa Baby” and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”
Accompanying the choir will be pianist and organist Brian Snyder as well as Dave Heine (flute/sax), John C. Gackenbach (percussion) and Tom Mondschein (guitar and bass). The St. Luke’s Festival Trombone Quartet (Jarred Antonacci, Sam Gellerstein, Chris Mele and Nick Lombardelli) will be providing selections.
This year the choir’s concert benefits the Cancer Compassion Fund.
Tickets are $12 and are available at the Gift shops at the St. Luke’s Allentown, Anderson, Bethlehem and Warren campuses or by calling 610-759-6325.
Note: This local health news is brought to you in partnership with St. Luke’s University Health Network.
