Community chorus to welcome new conductor

loading...

Those attending this year’s annual Bangor Community Chorus Holiday Concert will join BCC members in welcoming their new young conductor, who just happens to be a very familiar face to any devotee of local theater.

Joshua Schmersal makes his BCC conducting debut at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, at First United Methodist Church, 703 Essex St., Bangor, when he leads the 25-member mixed chorus in this most enjoyable holiday treat.

Accompanied by Naomi Hall, the chorus will present a varied program that will include carols and traditional as well as popular Christmas songs, reported BCC member Carolyn McKinnon.

The program also features solos, duets, trios and ensembles.

Schmersal, who is completing his degree in music performance as a vocalist at the University of Maine in Orono, is assistant conductor of the Oratorio Society and past president of the University Singers.

He has been a player in many productions, including Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” and his choral and theatrical experience has been applauded throughout New England, New York and Europe.

Admission to the concert is free, but donations will be graciously accepted.

McKinnon said their group “welcomes all to come and enjoy the music, and welcomes new members as well.”

For BCC information, visit www.maineguide.com/Bangor/chorus/index.html or e-mail mckinnon@maine

guide.com.

Stepping away from its traditional Monday gathering date, Women of the World “will have a special activity for its members” at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, at Page Farm Museum on the University of Maine campus in Orono.

WOW coordinator Mireille Le Gal reports that space is limited for the Wreath Making Workshop for WOW that day, and that an RSVP and $10 payment are required.

Call her at 581-3423 to reserve your space or receive more information.

On behalf of the Bangor Mental Health Institute community, staff member Nancy MacDonald invites you to its Outdoor Christmas Pageant at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, on the front lawn of BMHI.

She advises you to dress warmly for the half-hour presentation and bring a flashlight so you can follow the program and song sheets.

The event includes a re-enactment of the Christmas story complete with live animals provided by local farmers, special music by the New Renaissance Singers and the opportunity for you to sing your favorite carols while enjoying food, fun and fellowship.

Reservations are required but admission is free thanks to support of the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation for the Bangor Museum and Center for History film presentation, “Hard Work,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, at the museum, 6 State St., Bangor.

Award-winning filmmaker Jim Sharkey’s one-hour production featuring the 19th century writing of working women explores their working and living conditions in Maine shops and factories.

Period music, photographs and interviews with Maine historian Carol Toner are included.

For information and reservations, call BMCH, 942-1900.

Alex Turallo of Hammond Street Senior Center reports the public is invited to attend its Pottery Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning Thursday, Dec. 2, and running through Friday, Dec. 10, at HSSC, 2 Hammond St., Bangor.

The senior center’s pottery students and their instructor have made and donated many decorative and useful items ranging from bowls and vases, all reasonably priced.

The sale also includes the state of Maine quarter and city of Bangor trivets, and you can also make purchases at the senior center’s gift shop.

All money raised during the sale benefits the purchase of a new, more reliable kiln and a ventilation system for the center’s pottery department.

For more information about the senior center and its activities, call 262-5532.

Artists Sandy Crabtree of Bath and Jane Dorr of Woolwich have created this year’s Pine Tree Society holiday cards.

Crabtree’s card features a lobster boat anchored in Christmas Cove, and Dorr’s card depicts a cozy coastal village evening scene.

Cards can be ordered by calling 443-3341 or purchased at the PTS office, 149 Front St. in Bath or online at www.pinetreesociety.org.

During the school year, I’ll be stepping aside on Mondays so you can read the thoughtful words of local high school students writing for “Student Union.”

My column will appear Tuesday through Saturday, except for school vacations, when it runs six days a week.

I hope you enjoy, as much as I do, reading what our young people are writing.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.