Holiday music makes spirits bright

GOSHEN — Need a break from holiday shopping?
Relax to some beautiful seasonal music at unique venues around Orange County. From Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir to lighter tunes you know by heart, the sounds of the holiday season are filling the Hudson Valley with music.
“Grab your loved ones and head to a local concert this holiday season,” said Orange County Tourism Director Amanda Dana. “You don’t need to travel outside of Orange County to catch top-notch musical talent. Whether you’re looking for holiday entertainment or inspiration, you’ll find it right here. Come, relax, recharge, rejoice and sing-along!”
The Orange County Tourism on-line events calendar, www.OrangeTourism.org/events, is jam-packed with holiday happenings. Here are a few local concerts to catch before Christmas:
Maybrook Wind Ensemble's Fifth Annual Holiday Concert, Maybrook Senior Center, 111 Schipps Lane, Maybrook, Friday, Dec. 14, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Selections from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” and holiday classics as “Jesu Bambino” by Pietro Yon and “Chanukah Celebration” by S. Feldstein. Holiday sing-along and “Most Creative Decoration” contest.
Admission is free.
www.maybrookwindensemble.org
Christmas Carols and Holiday Music at Pennings Farm, 161 State Route 94, Warwick, Saturdays, Dec. 15 and Dec. 22, 1 to 3 p.m.
• Performance by the Warwick Valley High School Meistersingers on Dec. 15.
• Local musician Michael Purcell performs a full repertoire of favorite Christmas songs at a sing-along on Dec. 22.
www.penningsfarmmarket.com
A Thrill of Hope, The Newburgh Symphonic Chorale Holiday Concert, Aquinas Hall, Mount St. Mary College, Newburgh, Saturday, Dec. 15, 4 p.m. (Snow date: Dec. 16.).
Lush orchestrations of holiday favorites and an incredible team of soloists. Repertoire will include Schubert’s “Ave Maria,” as well as “Greensleeves,” “Jesu,” “Joy of Man’s Desiring,” music of Hanukkah, plus secular songs like “Let it Snow,” “White Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland.”
Audience invited to participate in the Finale medley.
Tickets on line. www.newburghsymphony.org
Middletown Concert Chorale, North Congregational Church, 96 North Beacon St., Middletown, Sunday, Dec. 16, 3 p.m.
Middletown Concert Chorale presents “Mid-Winter Songs.” There will be many familiar holiday favorites. Reception with light fare to follow.
www.middletownconcertchorale.weebly.com
The Weary World Rejoices, Classic Choral Society 59th Annual Christmas Concerts with Hudson Valley Strings:
• Sunday, Dec. 16, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 33 Park Place, Goshen;
• Sunday, Dec. 23, 4 to 6 p.m. at Blooming Grove United Church of Christ, 2 Old Dominion Road, Blooming Grove:
The Classic Choral Society presents a joyful and uplifting program featuring 18 relatively short works including popular and lesser known carols.
No tickets required; donations appreciated.
www.classicchoralsociety.org