Montgomery County Chorus performs at annual courthouse concert
With a chorus of beautiful voices Montgomery County officials celebrated the holiday season.
“This is such a wonderful tradition here at the Montgomery County Courthouse,” county Commissioners’ Chairwoman Valerie A. Arkoosh said on Wednesday as county employees and members of the public gathered at the foot of the grand staircase of the courthouse for the annual holiday performance of the Montgomery County Court House Chorus.
“Many members of our county family give up their lunch hours for several months to come together and rehearse and put on this annual holiday concert. It’s just a great tradition here in the county and one we look forward to every year,” said Arkoosh, who attended the nearly hourlong event with fellow commissioners Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr. and Joseph C. Gale.
The chorus performed traditional favorites such as “Sleigh Ride,” “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “O Come All Ye Faithful” as well as “Hanukkah Hayom!” and “Child of Kwanzaa” to recognize Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebrations.
Soprano Denise Coletta-Neuschwander performed a solo of “O Holy Night” that touched the hearts of many in the audience.
Flautist Lisa Tolomeo Higgins accompanied the chorus on several holiday numbers.
Dr. Regina Gordon directed the chorus and the group was joined by accompanist John F. Bednar.
The audience was invited to sing along to “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” and “Jingle Bells” and the melodies echoed into nearby hallways. Each performance brought boisterous applause from spectators who appeared to relish the chorus spreading happiness throughout the courthouse.
A Christmas tree, decorated with white lights and red and white poinsettia and situated at the top of the grand staircase, provided the perfect backdrop for the chorus.
Officials thanked members of the county’s public property department for making the courthouse festive by decorating the Christmas trees on the grand staircase and one erected outside on the courthouse plaza.
“They did a phenomenal job decorating this year and I want to make sure they get the recognition they well deserve,” Arkoosh said.
The commissioners used the event to thank county employees who work diligently year round to provide services to the public and to wish county residents the best of the holiday season.
“I certainly wish everyone a safe and happy and restful holiday season with their friends, their families, anyone they want to spend time with. I think everyone needs a little time to relax right now and that’s my best wish for everybody,” Arkoosh said.