Choir concert scheduled for Dec. 20 in Red Bank

RED BANK — The 50-voice Tower Hill Choir will present “Gloria! A Concert for Christmas” at 7 p.m. Dec. 20 in the First Presbyterian Church at Red Bank (Tower Hill), 255 Harding Road. The program, an event of the Tower Hill Concert Series, is directed by Matthew Van Dyke and accompanied by organist Judith Werner.

The program features Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and includes favorite Christmas carols accompanied by a chamber orchestra and harp. Several of the carols, including “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” and “Deck the Hall,” have arrangements by Ryan Brandau, the artistic director and conductor of the Monmouth Civic Chorus and Princeton Pro Musica.

“Gloria,” written in 1715 in Venice, is Vivaldi’s most famous choral piece. Its joyful nature and distinctive melodies and rhythms give it an immediate and universal appeal. The work presents the traditional “Gloria” from the Latin Mass in 12 varied movements with marked contrasts in tone, tempo and style.

Van Dyke serves as the church’s interim choral conductor. For three years, he was the director of choral activities at Ocean Township High School.

Werner is the church’s associate music director emeritus and currently serves as the interim director of music. She has performed widely at churches and secular venues throughout New Jersey.

There is no admission charge, but an offering will be taken to offset concert-series expenses. The church is handicapped-accessible. For additional information on Tower Hill’s events, call 732-747-1348 or visit www.towerhillchurch.org.