Season of Light Concert Reflects Many Traditions

The Inland Master Chorale presents holiday music from a variety of traditions and cultures at their Season of Light concert on Dec.14 and 15 at the First United Methodist Church, located at One East Olive Avenue in Redlands. Stars and candles are prominent symbols of religious holidays this time of year, which have inspired composers through the centuries. Selections range from Russian composer Gretchaninoff’s Holy Radiant Light, based on a third century hymn, to Handel’s While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night, to contemporary composer Eric Whitacre’s Lux Aurumque (Light and Gold). The concert includes three Hanukkah songs, including Hanerot Halalu with John Lasser on clarinet. Behold That Star, an African-American spiritual, features alto Lynn Ivey and baritone Alan Frost. Women of the Chorale present Hodie! while tenors and basses perform Glory Hallelu!, featuring tenor Michael Duffer. Noel, by Todd Smith of the contemporary Christian band Selah, is written in the African dialect of Kituba and includes solos by Rick Morrison, Alan Frost, Adam May, and Roger Biddick. Also, the audience will be invited to join in a sing- along of traditional Christmas carols. Under the direction of Roger W. Duffer and Associate Director Melva Morrison, the 60-member Chorale is in its 34th year of performances. The Chorale season continues on March 8 and 9, 2014 with Music of Love & Loss, an emotional musical journey. The season finale is the Great American Songbook on May 17-18, featuring American popular music from the mid-20th century, principally from Broadway and Hollywood. Individual concert tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door and $10 for student/child. Concerts begin at 8 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Children under five are not admitted. Order tickets online at www.inlandmasterchorale.org or call 909-798-4462.