DOWNEY - Meg Zeleny, former artist in residence in Pasadena and founder of many choral groups in the area, contributed her experience, talent, and teaching skills to form the Downey Master Chorale this past fall. The Chorale has matured quickly and will present its debut concert on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 7:30 pm, in the Sanctuary of the Moravian Church of Downey, 10337 Old River School Road, just south of Florence Avenue.

The performance features "A Ceremony of Carols" by Benjamin Britten. This 1942 piece consists of 11 movements, with early English texts drawn from "The English Galaxy of Shorter Poems".

This is the centennial of Britten's birth (1913-1976), and this year many of his pieces have been performed by various groups in the Los Angeles area to mark the occasion.

Following the intermission the Choir will present several popular Christmas songs from a range of composers, including selections from "The Seven Joys of Christmas" by Kirke Mechem, John Rutter's "Candlelight Carol" and "Angels' Carol," as well as "Silent Night," "O Holy Night," and "Jingle Bells."

The Moravian Church of Downey is home to a half-century of classical music history as the home of the Moravian Trombone Choir founded in 1965 by Jeff Reynolds of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The concert features an appearance by the Trombone Choir.

A special attraction of the evening will be an invitation to attendees to sing along with some of their favorite Christmas carols, as well as Handel's beloved "Hallelujah Chorus."

Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased from a chorale member or online at brownpapertickets.com/event/528453.

********** Published: Dec. 19, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 36