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With hope and cheer, more than 400 singers from across the country will perform in a virtual holiday choral concert, Joy!, produced by Encore Creativity for Older Adults, the nation’s largest choral organization for adults over 55, in collaboration with AARP. The uplifting multimedia production featuring string, brass, woodwind and percussion instruments will premiere Thursday, December 17th at 7 p.m. EST on www.encorecreativity.org and on Encore’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. Viewing is free and available until January 16, 2021.
This inspiring performance will also highlight the power of music to promote brain health and mental well-being, and feature insights from the recent report by AARP’s Global Council on Brain Health, a collaboration of doctors and scientists from around the world. A survey by AARP Research found that active musical engagement, especially for those over 50, was connected to higher rates of happiness and cognitive function.
Although live choral concerts aren’t possible during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Jeanne Kelly, Encore’s Founder and Artistic Director, was determined not to let Encore singers and audiences down this holiday season. “We are thrilled to present our first virtual concert and bring joy during this time, as well as share AARP’s important findings of music’s impact on our health,” said Kelly.
Encore Chorale’s repertoire will include Deck the Hall, arranged by Chad Weirick; Sleigh Ride, arranged by Keith Christopher; Ose Shalom by John Leavitt; and Rise up!, arranged by Mark Hill. Encore ROCKS, a rock & roll chorus, will sing I am a Rock by Simon and Garfunkel, arranged by Roger Emerson, and North Pole Medley, an upbeat rock combo of holiday songs arranged by Mac Huff. There will also be a sing-along.
In addition to Kelly, well known conductors include David Simmons, who is also the producer of the concert, David Lang, Dr. Ingrid Lestrud, Dr. Mary Ann East, Stephen Harouff, Jeffrey Dokken, Brian Isaac, Deborah Int Veldt and Bernadette Hoke. Singers rehearsed during Encore’s 15-week virtual fall session of Encore University, a comprehensive program of singing, classes in music theory and music history, vocal technique and more.
For more information about Encore’s virtual holiday concert and its new virtual winter/spring session, which begins January 25, 2021,visit www.encorecreativity.org or call 301-261-5747.
About Encore Creativity for Older Adults. Founded in 2007 and based in Annapolis, Md., Encore Creativity for Older Adults, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, offers 22 ensembles in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia and New York City, in addition to summer and international travel opportunities. Encore features three programs: Encore Chorale, traditional choral singing, Encore ROCKS, a rock & roll chorus, and Sentimental Journey Singers, a choir for those with early to moderate Alzheimer’s and other memory impairments and their care partners. Encore remains committed to its mission during this pandemic to provide an excellent and accessible arts education program for older adults regardless of ability or experience.
