Manassas Journal Messenger | The Westminstrels Choir holds free concert Tuesday.
The Westminstrels Choir invites the public to a free concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The title of the eighth annual Christmas program put on by the Westminster at Lake Ridge Retirement Community, is “Repeat the Sounding Joy.” This sacred program features the Westminstrels, a group of 35 residents and staff who will be singing familiar, new and traditional Christmas music.
For the second year, the award-winning Stonewall Jackson High School Vocal Ensemble, under the direction of Wanda Boley, will join the Westminstrels.
Interspersed between musical pieces, choir members will read parts of the Christmas story.
The performance will open with “Repeat the Sounding Joy,” a medley of Christmas favorites and continue with Advent pieces such as “The People Who Walk in Darkness” leading up to “On Christmas Night” and a special arrangement of “Silent Night.”
Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and a medley of spirituals from “A Spiritual Christmas” will close the program.
The Westminstrels, who range in age from 52 to 94 years old, began rehearsing for their sacred Christmas Concert in the fall. In winter, they make a transformation into a show choir in preparation for their spring musical program, complete with singing, dancing and acting which traditionally is held Memorial Day weekend.
The Westminstrels are directed by Melanie Berney and accompanied by Marie Polifko. From Potomac Hospital, Gary Spanik will play lead trumpet and guitar. Prince William county teachers Laura and Kathy Lux will join on flute. Dr. Margaret Polifko from Bethesda Naval Hospital will accompany on cello. University of Tennessee students Lindsay and Julianne Berney will join on trumpet and clarinet. Sound technician is Mark Stout.
For more information on the concert, call (703) 490-0854, Ext. 343.
Directions to Westminster: From Woodbridge Senior High School, go east on Old Bridge Road toward Interstate 95, pass Tackett’s Mill on the right, take a left on Clipper Drive and proceed into Westminster. Parking is available in the lower parking lot or along Clipper Drive.
— From staff reports