MUSIC

SMFC Presents Annual Holiday Spectacular The Southeastern Massachusetts Festival Chorus (SMFC) will present its annual holiday concert on December 10 and 11 at the Taunton High School Auditorium. The 100-voice SMFC, accompanied by 30-piece live symphonic orchestra, will herald the holiday season with an unforgettable program of beloved carols and traditional holiday favorites. Entitled Rejoice and Be Merry, the concert will be a festive holiday experience featuring a Charles Dickens inspired program of music selections drawn from the place and time of his classic Christmas story. Such time-honored favorites as Ding Dong Merrily on High, Joy to the World, and We Three Kings, as well as new classical contributions such as John Rutter’s Rejoice and Be Merry and the breathtaking Gloria by Randol Alan Bass. The event will include guest performances by renowned bell-choir ensemble, the Westwood Ringers, who will join the chorus and orchestra on featured selections. Also in store will be a theatrical presentation of passages from A Christmas Carol, performed by local actors Paul Hayden and Bill McCarthy, who have been presenting their unique interpretation of Dickens’ story for fourteen years. The SMFC is thrilled to be returning to the Taunton High School Auditorium for this very special event. The local venue, which has been closed due to construction, is now reopened following extensive renovations and exciting improvements. The concert will take place on Saturday, December 10 at 7:00pm, and Sunday, December 11 at 3:00pm. Tickets for this Southeastern Massachusetts holiday tradition are on sale now. Admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, $12 for children 12 and under, $2 off per ticket for groups of 8 or more. Advance purchase of tickets is strongly suggested. To purchase or for more information, please call 508-821-9571 or visit www.smfconline.org. “Rejoice and Be Merry” Eric Brown, Director