Jason Vodicka
For many people, music is a big part of the holiday.
Fortunately, here in central Pennsylvania, we have several choral groups that will bring new life and a sense of spirituality to a genre often defined by the stale songs one hears in an endless loop at the shopping mall.
First up, the Harrisburg Singers will perform their concert, “Holiday!” in early December at three different venues, presenting a collage of classical and secular Christmas music. The anticipated highlight: three joyous movements from British composer John Rutter’s “Magnificat” (“Song of Mary”) and two choruses from Handel’s “Messiah.”
“The group changes sound and mood throughout,” said Artistic Director Sue Solomon Beckley. “Several of our own members will be featured in solo roles. And you will hear percussion—the timpani (kettle drums) on two songs, in addition to the organ and piano. It’s a mixture of styles that all will enjoy.”
The Harrisburg Singers were founded in 1984 by vocalist Ron Sider.
“He brought together the best soloists in the capital city at that time to create and showcase a professional sounding group,” said Kat Prickett, secretary of the Harrisburg Singers. “Back then, they were semi-professional paid performers.”
For the past two decades, Beckley has led the group of 40 singers. She has an extensive background in music education and is an adjunct professor of voice at Bucknell University.
“We are known as ‘One Voice,’” said Beckley. “The singers work to blend the quality of the sound, as if just one person is singing. Since each voice has a special quality, the blend comes out as a lush sound.”
Closer to the yuletide, the Harrisburg Choral Society will put on its holiday concert, “Christmas Celebration.” The group will spread holiday cheer by performing 20 minutes of Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio,” balanced by 40 minutes of traditional carols.
“The opening chorus of this piece (Bach) is incredibly exhilarating. It captures what Christmas is all about,” explained past president Glenn Murray. “Even if you are not familiar with the music, it is so overt—just hearing the musical content hits you emotionally.”
Founded in 1895, the Harrisburg Choral Society recently welcomed the youngest music director in its long history, Jason Vodicka, who is just 34 years old. He also is the coordinator of music educational programs and an assistant professor of music at Susquehanna University.
Vodicka brings a focus on vocal technique to the group. He is interested in musical style—making Berlioz sound like Berlioz and Bach sound like Bach.
“I put the focus on the text and expressing the music together, as opposed to instrumentalists, to communicate with the audience,” said Vodicka.
He added that he is impressed with the level of talent and hard work that his group possesses.
“They come with expertise, and they are willing to try new methods,” he said.
The admiration appears to flow in both directions.
“He has different ways of warming up our voices and presenting the music,” said veteran soprano Jayne Kopko of Mechanicsburg, who’s been with the group for 12 years. “We are excited to have such a young director.”
The Harrisburg Singers
The Harrisburg Singers will perform their concert “Holiday!” at three different venues:
Friday, Dec. 5, 8 p.m., Faith Presbyterian Church, 1801 Colonial Rd., Harrisburg
Saturday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut St., Camp Hill
Sunday, Dec. 7, 3 p.m., Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Simpson St., Mechanicsburg
Tickets are available at the door: $20 adults; $15 seniors; $5 students. More information is at www.harrisburgsingers.org.
Harrisburg Choral Society
The Harrisburg Choral Society will perform its “Christmas Celebration” concert on Dec. 21, 3 p.m., at the Grace Milliman Pollock Performing Arts Center, 340 N. 21st St., Camp Hill.
Tickets are available at the door: $20 adults; $17 seniors; $5 students. More information is at www.harrisburgchoralsociety.org.
