Emmaus Chorale starts rehearsals Aug. 29

The Emmaus Chorale is seeking additional voices for its Christmas concert, “A Festival of Lessons and Carols.” Weekly rehearsals begin 7 p.m. Aug. 29 at Faith Presbyterian Church in Emmaus and will culminate in a public concert there 3 p.m. Dec. 11.

All voice parts are welcome. The community choir is open to participants throughout the Lehigh Valley. Auditions are not required but previous choir experience is helpful. There is a membership fee.

Artistic director Janet Davis has chosen a program of carols based on an Anglican Christmas service, recalling Gregorian chants and medieval carols and new additions in the spirit of the old, including pieces by Benjamin Britten and John Rutter. One of many highlights will be selections from Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols,” featuring the music of the harp. “In the Bleak Midwinter,” by Gustav Holst and poet Christina Rossetti, is another.

Davis has a master’s degree from Westminster Choir College where she also taught. She previously directed the Des Moines Choral Society and during her tenure was recognized for her inventive programming.

She made her conductor debut at Carnegie Hall in June 2001 with Stravinsky’s “Symphony of Psalms”

For more information, visit www.emmauschorale.org or email Davis at jdavischoirnut@gmal.com.