SYV Chorale Presents Holiday Concert

The Santa Ynez Valley Chorale, featuring our music director Hyejin Jung, will present its Holiday Concert, “Christmas Bells in the Valley” on Saturday, December 6^th at 7pm and Sunday, December 7^th at 3:30 p.m. at the Santa Ynez Valley High School, 2975 Mission Drive.Mission Drive, Solvang. Tickets are $20, available on www.syvchorale.org, through Chorale members, at the Book Loft in Solvang, or at the door.

For this season’s program, Jung rediscovered The Bells of Santa Ynez by Paul Weston. It is a well-loved work that was inspired during Weston’s first visit here, and it boasts more than sixty years of history in the Santa Ynez Valley.  The night all the Church bells rang marked the ninth time that the full musical work with all fourteen numbers was performed in Solvang during its traditional Danish Days celebration. It is the inspiration for the program’s “Christmas Bells” concert theme. It’s a special piece with memories shared by several longtime Chorale members; some of whom sang on the recording and performed it live here decades ago.

The refrain—“These are the bells that welcome wanderers, telling wanderers here you’ll stay”—captures the spirit of warmth and hospitality that resonates deeply with Jung’s experience of the Valley, as well as that of our ensemble, and many others who live and visit here.

For the concert, the Chorale will present six selections from Weston’s cantata, as well as many seasonal favorites such as “Jingle Bells” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” And as a special addition not to be missed, the concert will feature the distinguished handbell ensemble, Mellifluous Dulcet Quartet!

The concert’s final piece is Hine Ma Tov—a timeless Jewish traditional song that celebrates harmony. Its Hebrew lyrics translate to: “Now we all gather together in joyful celebration.” 

“The Santa Ynez Valley Chorale is excited to bring you this unique concert that will resonate with our local residents, accompanied by the beautiful sound of hand bells, a joyful and inspirational program for the entire community.  Please start your holiday season by celebrating with us!” says Richard Lane, Chorale President.

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The Santa Ynez Valley Chorale is a non-profit community organization that has provided choral music to the Santa Ynez Valley for 40 yrs. The Chorale presents annual concerts in the Spring and during the Holiday season and is available to sing by request for special events and holidays such as Memorial Day, Veterans’ Day, and 4^th of July.