The Moorestown-based Essence of Harmony Choral Society will perform at Bethel AME Church on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 4 p.m.
“Silver & Gold” celebrates the season with joyful and uplifting new favorites. Guests can expect to hear everything from “Silent Night” to “The Ballad of the Brown King.” The concert is not only the kickoff to the choir’s fifth season, but a blend of traditional and contemporary holiday music suitable for all ages and designed to foster community spirit.
“There’s so much that’s going on around the holidays … It looks like, every year, that people start celebrating or decorating for Christmas earlier and earlier,” said Gwen Ricks-Spencer, the choir’s administrative manager. “You start to feel it (the spirit of the season) right after Thanksgiving. I think it (the concert) will put people in the mood.
“There’s upbeat music, there’s classical, traditional music, and I think it’s a good way to put yourself into the spirit of the season.”
Founded by Cherisse R. Bonefont in 2019, the Essence of Harmony Choral Society has grown into a thriving group dedicated to artistic excellence, diversity, inclusivity and service through music. As a conductor and educator, Bonefont cultivates programs that inspire singers, engage audiences and open doors for meaningful dialogue through music.
The group envisions a community where voices join in harmony to celebrate diversity, promote creativity and spark meaningful dialogue, and it is devoted to highlighting the artistry of composers and arrangers whose contributions have often gone unrecognized.
“I hope that people come away from it (“Silver & Gold”) feeling invigorated and excited to dive into the rest of the season and celebrate with their family and friends, and come together,” Ricks-Spencer noted. “Choral music is about people singing together, and certainly we could all use that message (of togetherness) right now in our lives.
“And we hope that we help share that and the joy of the season with the audience members that attend.”
For tickets, visit the events tab at www.essenceofharmonycs.org.
