FREEHOLD — The Arcadian Chorale will return to Freehold Borough for a holiday concert on Dec. 11. The show is sponsored by the Freehold Borough Arts Council (FBAC) and will take place at 7:30 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church, 16 McLean St.
The chorale, under the musical direction of Marina Alexander, will present “Navidad Nuestra,” a folk drama of the nativity based on the music of South America.
FBAC President Jeff Friedman said, “When Marina approached us and asked if we could help out with the Arcadian Chorale shows, we could not say no. It is a real pleasure for us to assist them and it fits in well with the FBAC mission to provide, champion and inspire the arts in and around Freehold Borough. Working with the Arcadian Chorale is a great way for the FBAC to finish up another successful year.”
Alexander, who founded the chorale in 1992, said the ensemble is comprised of 60 singers. She said “Navidad Nuestra” was written in the 1960s by beloved Argentinean composer Ariel Ramirez and has become more and more of a choral favorite.
“It presents a different take on the nativity based on folk music and is comprised of various dance rhythms from Argentina and Argentinean folk poetry. It is beautiful and charming because it offers a fresh look at the Christmas season. Sometimes we take things for granted.
“It celebrates the Annunciation, the pilgrimage to Bethlehem, the birth of the Christ child and the call to shepherds. The movement ends with the arrival of the Three Kings. It offers beautiful South American rhythms and melodies with guitar and percussion,” Alexander said.
The program will be performed in English and Spanish. The works of American and classical composers concerning the same topics raised in “Navidad Nuestra” are interwoven into the program.
Tenor soloist David Smolokoff, of West Long Branch, a Juilliard School graduate, will contribute his skills as soloist.
The chorale will also perform familiar carols that will engage the audience members for a sing-a-long.
“Freehold is home for us,” Alexander said. “We have done holiday concerts here for 16 or 17 years. We have a wonderful relationship with the FBAC. I am very grateful for their support and understanding of how beautiful this event is for the entire community.”
Tickets for the Dec. 11 performance in Freehold are $10 for adults and $5 for children and may be purchased in advance from the Arcadian Chorale or the FBAC. To purchase tickets, visit www.arcadianchorale.org or visit the Freehold Art Gallery, 7A W. Main St., Freehold, during hours of operation. Call the gallery at 908-614-6195 for additional information.
— Clare Marie Celano