Dec. 12 concert to deliver Yuletide cheer
By: Rachel Silverman
Talk about a high-profile performance.
On Dec. 12, some 22 members of the Princeton High School Choir will deliver Yuletide cheer in the home of the nation’s president.
The White House performance will feature the PHS Chamber Choir on a number of seasonal pieces, including "Ding Dong Merrily on High," a contemporary arrangement of "Deck the Halls," and two Spanish songs.
Choir Director Charles Sundquist said the performance comes as a follow-up to the choir’s 1997 White House visit, in which the ensemble sang for Vice President Al Gore.
Dr. Sundquist said he doesn’t know the particulars this time around, or if any political leaders will be present.
"But it’ll be very exciting just for the kids to be in that space," he said Monday. "Now, after Thanksgiving, the excitement is just building up."
In order to land the performance, Dr. Sundquist had to send a recording of the choir, as well as a short written history. He and the students also had to go through extensive background checks, because of White House security procedures.
Fanfare aside, Dr. Sundquist said he does not expect the high school performers to get nervous for their White House concert.
"These are pretty seasoned singers," he said. "This group is past that kind of thing."
The chamber choir will also perform at a number of local holiday events this year, including a luncheon at Bristol-Myers Squibb, caroling around Palmer Square and a performance at Morven Museum and Garden.
On Dec. 21, the ensemble will deliver a free winter concert in the Princeton University chapel. This performance, which starts at 7:30 p.m., will feature all Princeton High School choirs, as well as the orchestra.

