Sing We Joyous
Oak Park’s treasured December tradition returns this year with the acclaimed mix of beautiful seasonal music and family-friendly hijinks brought to you by dozens of enthusiastic performers.
The exquisite Oriana Singers, one of Chicago’s premier vocal ensembles, will headline the concerts; joining them will be City Voices, the Oak Park-based community chorus, along with the adorable and talented Pro Musica Youth Chorus. Add the Sing We Joyous Orchestra, sprinkle in some guest performers, and audiences are sure to delight in this big-hearted, musical holiday feast.
“The name of our concerts says it all,” says director William Chin. “It's a joyous time of year filled with the most wonderful music, and we hope to include our audiences in the beauty and light-hearted fun of holiday singing.”
The event has moved to a new performance space for 2025: First United Methodist Church, at 324 Oak Park Avenue, north of Lake Street in Oak Park. But long-time fans will recognize the festive mix of beautiful music and good-hearted frivolity that makes “Sing We Joyous!” a unique holiday concert-going experience.
The program includes a wide variety of seasonal music, including Eric Whitacre’s transcendent Sleep, Jaakko Mäntyjärvi’s wild Finnish romp Pseudo-Yoik, and Christopher Tin’s unforgettable Baba Yetu. Also on the bill are traditional Christmas favorites such as Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming, Sleigh Ride, Stevie Wonder’s What Christmas Means to Me, and a gospel arrangement of Angels We Have Heard on High.
Chin has chosen works from across the concert’s long run – favorites of audiences and singers, both. "Nowell is the very first piece we ever performed,” he says. “This medieval carol is full of vitality and is a toe-tapper even though it's hundreds of years old.” The contemporary This Silent Night by Steven James evokes a truly timeless story: “It’s probably the most famous example of people from a far-away place, arriving in a strange land, hoping for a place to stay in safety and peace.”
Over 20 years, “Sing We Joyous!” has endured and adapted to meet the moment – including going virtual during COVID. “Even in the most challenging times,” says Chin, “we've always found a fun way to celebrate the season.”
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3348133-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3348133-2
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