Ohio Valley Chorale to perform Christmas songs

STEUBENVILLE -- The Ohio Valley Chorale will hold its first Christmas concert since 2019 at 3 p.m. Sunday at First Westminster Presbyterian Church, located at 235 N. Fourth St.

Entitled, "Christ is Born!" this collection of classic Christmas carols will be performed during a free concert which is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

A free-will offering will be taken to support future concerts, officials stated.

The concert will be directed by Erik James Lucas. Guest conductors are Abby Macre and Robb Townsend, who will direct certain selections.

The event features 75 singers and an orchestra of 30 local professional musicians.

The Ohio Valley Chorale was originally founded in 2017. They produced two concerts every year up until the COVID pandemic forced a shutdown of the country.

Following a four-year hiatus, concerts have resumed this year.

The performance will feature traditional Christmas carols, along with a few other less-familiar selections, officials noted.

Rehearsals for next year will resume Jan. 15. Any local singer who is 15 and older and interested in joining is welcome. No tryouts are required. One must have the ability to read choral music, as it is strongly encouraged, it was noted.

The chorale is fully funded by the support of the community.

Anyone who would like to make a donations can send it to: The Ohio Valley Chorale, P.O. Box 387, Steubenville, OH 43952.