Sackets ensemble invites singers for Yuletide concert

People with vocal talents who want to get into the Christmas spirit a little early are invited to join the combined Sackets Harbor Vocal Arts Ensemble and the Trinity Festival Choir and Orchestra for a Dec. 12 concert.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for people interested in singing to thoroughly enjoy the Christmas season," said Richard E. Probert, director of the Sackets Harbor Vocal Arts Ensemble.

Rehearsals are held at 7:15 p.m. each Monday at United Presbyterian Church, at Main and Broad streets, Sackets Harbor.

The Dec. 12 concert, "Unto Us A Child Is Born: A Choral Christmas," will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Watertown. The concert will feature "Magnificat" by Johann Sebastian Bach and "La Fiesta de la Posada" ("The Festival of the Inn") by Dave Brubeck.

Despite the generational differences between Bach and Brubeck, 88, an American jazz pianist who is credited with helping take jazz into the mainstream, Mr. Probert said there are similarities in their pieces that will be presented.

"Brubeck's composition is definitely jazz, but it's classically arranged," Mr. Probert said. "It's as demanding a piece as Bach's, but it has a different style. Both are highly artistic pieces and both are highly sacred."

The concert will also include a selection of carols and a movement from Handel's "Organ Concerto No. 1"

People who are interested in singing should call Mr. Probert at 646-3366 or show up Monday evenings before rehearsal and talk to him.

"Unto Us A Child Is Born" is part of the 2009-10 Trinity Concert Series.