The Chorus of Westerly – Christmas Pops December 21 &22
WESTERLY, RI – The sounds of the season will fill Westerly’s historic George Kent Performance Hall the weekend before Christmas, as the Chorus of Westerly presents three performances of their popular holiday favorite, Christmas Pops. Conducted by Andrew Howell, the 180-voices of the Chorus of Westerly will be joined by the Pops Festival Orchestra and other special guests for a performance featuring new and traditional holiday music. The three performances of Christmas Pops will be on Saturday, December 21 at 6 pm and Sunday, December 22, at 2 pm and 4:30 pm. The performances will all be in Kent Hall, located at 119 High Street in downtown Westerly.
Tickets for all three performances can still be purchased at the Kent Hall Box Office, by calling 401.596.8663, or online at chorusofwesterly.org. Fans of Christmas Pops and the Chorus of Westerly are encouraged to inquire and purchase tickets soon, as historically this is a sell-out event prior to the event weekend.
First presented in 1981, as a counterpart to the inaugural Summer Pops concert, the Chorus of Westerly’s Christmas Pops has turned into one of southern New England’s most popular and beloved holiday events. Kent Hall is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with festive decor and lights for a family friendly evening of holiday cheer. This year’s Christmas Pops will feature both new and traditional holiday favorites including Sleigh Ride, O come, all ye Faithful, Joy to the World, White Christmas and a new setting of O Holy Night by New York composer and Westerly native John Tafone. Audience members can also expect a special appearance by Santa Claus during the program.
“Christmas Pops is a joy for us to present each year,” states Ryan Saunders, executive director of the Chorus of Westerly. “It is a chance with us to gather in the beautiful Kent Hall and, in true community spirit, welcome the season together. I think it is one of our town’s finest celebrations of not only the holidays, but also a reminder of our shared love of each other and our connected humanity.”
The concert runs approximately 75 minutes in length and is appropriate for families and children ages 7 and older.
For more information or to inquire about tickets please call the Kent Hall Box Office at (401) 596-8663, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
This year’s performance, which will mark the 39th edition of Christmas Pops in Kent Hall, is being presented with major support from Dime Bank, South County Health, Mrs. Marion Palm, and the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts.
The Chorus of Westerly’s performances take place at the George Kent Performance Hall, 119 High Street, Westerly, Rhode Island. The George Kent Performance Hall is handicapped accessible.
The Chorus of Westerly
Founded in 1959 by George Kent and now conducted by Andrew Howell, The Chorus of Westerly has become one of the most acclaimed and impactful arts and community organizations in all of New England. In its 60s years, 2500 area residents (and over 1200 children) have been a part of the Chorus as a singer. The Chorus has performed over 700 concerts in Westerly, Providence, New Haven, Boston, New York, and in Europe in eight countries as part of five international concert tours. Combined, the Chorus has performed before an audience of over 1.2 million people. The Chorus also owns and operates the historic George Kent Performance Hall, located at 119 High Street, Westerly, Rhode Island, and is in the middle of a $2 million renovation of the facility. Recent work has included a restored slate roof, a new HVAC system, restored historic entry points, and rehearsal space improvements. In the spring and summer of 2020, the Chorus will begin work on restoration of its exterior cedar clapboards following by new painting of the exterior nave, and structural integrity work of its bell tower.
The Chorus of Westerly is a certified, not-for-profit, charitable arts and community organization.