On Thursday, December 12, Brookfield Central’s choirs and orchestras presented their annual Yuletide Concert at the Shattuck Auditorium of Carroll University. The Treble, Concert, Women’s, and Chamber choirs, led by Mrs. Hickmann, and the Symphony and Chamber orchestras, led by Mr. Fitzpatrick, dedicated months of practice to 22 different programs, resulting in a brilliant performance.
This long-time tradition once again showcased the talent and hard work of BC’s choirs and orchestras through numerous exciting pieces. The concert opened with the powerful Festival Sanctus, an invigorating piece that combined all choirs/orchestras and featured two violin soloists. While the addition of Festival Sanctus was a change from previous years- historically, Yuletide always started with Ose Shalom– this soaring masterpiece fulfilled its purpose as a strong, enticing introduction that engaged the audience.
Throughout its duration, Yuletide performed familiar holiday tunes and unique pieces that adorned the holiday spirit, all of which were very well-received by audience members. These programs included Carol of the Bells, Let It Snow, That’s Christmas to Me, Here Comes Santa Claus, and Sleigh Ride. Additionally, wintry pieces like All on a Cold Winter’s Night and Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening as well as the Yuletide classics Glow and Remembering Decembers were featured. This year, the BC choirs and orchestra even added a beautiful arrangement of the pop song Snowman by Sia, solos from Kathrine Nadolinski and Aamna Mateen. All in all, the concert flowed very smoothly throughout the pieces and songs.
It is important to note that the Yuletide Concert strives to provide love and joy beyond the scope of the audience. Before the third to last piece of the concert, It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, the organization BC Cares held their annual Goodwill Offering, in which spare change and checks to BCHS PTO were collected from audience members. The Goodwill Offering raises money that is used to support families in need for the holiday season.
The last two pieces performed were perhaps the most well-known ones in the entire concert: the upbeat Sleigh Ride followed by arguably one of Yuletide’s most beautiful arrangements: Still, Still, Still. Like many previous years, the lights were dimmed and candles were lit, creating a soothing ambience that perfectly suited the slow, gorgeous melody of Still, Still, Still. Brookfield Central’s choirs and orchestras concluded the concert with this peaceful finale. In total, the Yuletide concert lasted about an hour and a half, ending in outstanding applause, overall success, and much-deserved celebrations.
