Three area high school choirs will join the highly anticipated lineup for the 25th anniversary performances of Festival of Carols, as part of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s Spotlight Choir series. Each year, the Spotlight Choir initiative encourages students to take advantage of learning opportunities through exposure to a wide array of skills, including musicianship, communication, problem solving, study skills and time management. The 2015 Spotlight Choirs include the Warren Central High School Chamber Singers, the North Central High School Counterpoints, and the University High School Choir.
The Warren Central High School Chamber Singers is comprised of 26 talented singers ranging from sophomores to seniors and is one of three advanced choirs at the east side Indianapolis high school. Under the direction of Dustin Podgorski, the group sings a varied repertoire of music from classical to rock and has previously been named Grand Champion at multiple area choral invitational events. The Chamber Singers will perform as part of the sold out Festival of Carols performance at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in downtown Indianapolis on Dec. 6.
The North Central High School Counterpoints is the most advanced choir at North Central High School in Indianapolis. The Counterpoints has been named runner-up or grand champion for ISSMA state show choir competitions during each of the past 10 years, has won numerous state championships in concert choir over the last 26 years, and has been recognized by five Indianapolis mayors. The 55-voice chorus is under the direction of Michael Raunick and will perform as part of two of the three performances at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel (December 18 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec 19 at 8 p.m.)
The chorus from University High School is under the direction of Joshua Harris and will perform with the Symphonic Choir for the Sunday, December 20, 3 p.m. performance at The Palladium in Carmel as well.
“Too few and far between are opportunities for youth and adults to make music together,” said Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Artistic Director Eric Stark. “These gifted Spotlight Choirs join our 150 adults from the Symphonic Choir in rehearsals, workshops and performance. It’s our shared bond in making music that brings us together. As the Hoosier State looks to teach the brightest and best, the arts are a vital component of a balanced education.”
The Sunday, December 6 performance at the Scottish Rite Cathedral is sold out, but tickets are still available for the performances at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets range from $20-$40 and may be purchased at indychoir.org or by calling the Palladium box office at (317) 843-3800. Student tickets are available for $15.
Festival of Carols is made possible by Title Sponsor Raymond James. For performance details, audio preview links, photos and ticket information, visit indychoir.org.
