Stop by St. John’s Lutheran Church on Lady’s Island any autumn or spring Tuesday evening and you will quickly come to appreciate the lyrical offerings of the Lowcountry Chorale. One has to listen for only a short time to gain an appreciation for the musicianship displayed by today’s version of the chorale. Such an accomplished “sound” is an ongoing testimony to the diligence and commitment of those individuals who set out more than a decade ago to launch a community-based outlet for their collective, mixed-voice singing interests.

Originally formed in 1997, the fledgling chorus held weekly rehearsals in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church. The 43-member ensemble performed its first concert at the USCB Performing Arts Center on May 11, 1997 (Mother’s Day), sharing with the audience its rendition of John Rutter’s “Requiem” followed by light and traditional American music. The chorale subsequently performed at a number of venues in the Beaufort area, including the Baptist Church of Beaufort and the Sea Island Presbyterian Church.

In 2007, St. John’s Lutheran Church opened its doors to the chorale and became its adopted location for rehearsals and performances.  In 2010, the chorale instituted its now-popular “dessert-style” concerts, offering tasty refreshments as a part of the overall program’s enjoyment.

Beginning with that premiere performance 15 years ago, the chorale, under the musical leadership of three talented directors and a supremely skilled accompanist, has presented a succession of concerts aimed at providing their audiences with a glimpse at a variety of musical themes.  Most recently, concert attendees have been entertained by the chorale’s presentations of “Songs Around The World,” “A Night At The Movies,” “When You Wish Upon A Star (A Tribute To Walt Disney)” and “A Night Of S’Wonderful.”

On Friday, November 30 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 1 at 3 p.m., the chorale will present a program of seasonal selections in a concert called, “Songs For Long Winter Nights.”  Tickets for the performances at St. John’s Lutheran Church are $10 for adults, $7 for children under 12 and may be obtained by calling 522-9948 or may be purchased at the door.

If you’re looking for a most enjoyable evening or afternoon of music presented by one of Beaufort’s longer-standing and accomplished choral groups — with a delicious dessert tossed in — then plan to attend the Lowcountry Chorale’s upcoming “Songs For Long Winter Nights.”
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