Peter Boak, director of the Island Community Chorus, decided to take a new approach to planning this weekend’s holiday concerts at the Old Whaling Church. Instead of putting the program together himself over the summer, he asked members of the chorus to help.
As it turned out, chorus members had lots of ideas — enough for Mr. Boak to put together a lively program that comes entirely from the suggestions of his singers.
The Island Community Chorus presents three concerts each year, its ranks growing and shrinking with the seasons, and the group is usually at its largest for this December event. This year, Mr. Boak says, a record 117 singers will fill the Old Whaling Church stage to perform at 7:30 pm on Saturday, Dec. 7, and again at 3 pm on Sunday, Dec. 8. They’ll be joined by two guest artists — violinist Susan McGhee and flutist Maria Johnson — as well as by the choir’s stalwart accompanist, Garrett Brown, and for two pieces which require four-hand piano accompaniment, also by Mr. Brown’s brother, Wesley.
Both performances will be followed by receptions in the Baylies Room downstairs, where tables will be decked with seasonal treats for all to enjoy.
