St. Cecilia Chamber Choir to Present Lessons and Carols Concerts

The St. Cecilia Chamber Choir will stage its annual Lessons and Carols program in two Sagadahoc County venues over the weekend, bringing a program that blends contemporary composition and established choral repertoire to area audiences. The concert in Bowdoin College Chapel in Brunswick is scheduled for Saturday, December 20 at 4 p.m. The second performance follows on Sunday, December 21 at Damariscotta Baptist Church.

Led by artistic director Linda Blanchard with organist Sean Fleming, the choir will perform a range of works that span recent commissions and popular modern arrangements. The program includes a recent setting of Gerard Manley Hopkins by Bob Chilcott, selections by John Rutter, and other modern choral arrangements. Portions of the program will be accompanied by a professional string quartet, adding orchestral color to the ensemble sound.

Ticketing is intended to keep the event accessible to local families and students. Tickets for the Bowdoin Chapel performance are $25, tickets for the Damariscotta performance are $20, and students and children are admitted free. More information and ticket details are available from the St. Cecilia Chamber Choir.

The concerts serve several local functions beyond simple entertainment. They sustain a seasonal cultural anchor that draws residents into Brunswick and Damariscotta during a time when small businesses benefit from increased foot traffic. Free admission for students and children lowers barriers for families and for schools that aim to expose younger residents to live classical music. The inclusion of recent works alongside familiar pieces helps keep choral programming fresh while preserving the liturgical and musical framework that defines Lessons and Carols as a holiday ritual.

As an annual event, the St. Cecilia Chamber Choir performance continues a regional tradition of community music making and contributes to the cultural calendar of Sagadahoc County during the holiday season.