Fort Smith Chorale hosts ‘An a cappella Christmas’

It was “An a cappella Christmas” Thursday evening (November 29) as the Fort Smith Chorale hosted its annual holiday concert at Fort Smith’s First United Methodist Church.

Using only their voices and beautiful harmonies, the group performed some of the season’s most beloved hymns and carols.

Under the direction of founder Bill Cromer, the chorale opened with “Verbum caro facutm est,” followed by the well-known hymn, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” The group continued with a mix of somber and upbeat arrangements including “Agnus Dei,” “Deck the Halls,” and “Silent Night.”

Following intermission, the chorale delighted the audience with performances of songs such as “Ave Maria,” “Good King Wenceslas,” “The Little Drummer Boy” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” The evening concluded with a spirited rendition of the classic “Jingle Bells.”

More than 50 singers took part in evening’s concert, including a mix of men and women, and young and old. The chorale is comprised of auditioned, volunteer singers from Fort Smith and the surrounding community.

Cromer founded the chorale in 1981 for the purpose of “providing singers with the opportunity to learn and present choral music otherwise not available to them locally.”

In its more than 30-year history, the chorale has performed throughout the area and at venues around the country, including the Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. The group is most known for its annual Christmas and spring concerts, and for its collaborations with other area art programs, such as the Fort Smith Symphony.

Hundreds were in attendance and the large crowd nearly packed the historic church sanctuary. Tickets to the concert were $15, with full-time students being given free admission.

Ticket sales help support the continuing efforts of the chorale, including concert expenses and operation costs. The chorale, which is a non-profit organization, relies heavily on donations and sponsorships to fund its programs.

The Fort Smith Chorale’s next concert will be April 28 when the group presents Handel’s Messiah for its Easter event. It will be held at First Baptist Church in Fort Smith.