Livermore, Calif. – The Valley Concert Chorale, the Tri-Valley’s premier chorus for over 50 years, announces its 2017-2018 concert season entitled “A Season of Roses” with three concert sets and the annual holiday tradition Sing-It-Yourself Messiah. Details are as follows:

2017-2018 Concert Season:

Annual Sing-It-Yourself Messiah
Friday, December 1, 2017, 7:30 pm
Asbury United Methodist Church
4743 East Ave., Livermore T
ickets $10

A Midwinter Rose
Friday, December 8, 2017, 7:30 pm
First Presbyterian Church
2020 Fifth Street, Livermore

Sunday, December 10, 2017, 3:00 pm
Lynnewood United Methodist Church
4444 Black Ave, Pleasanton

Featuring Bob Chilcott’s There’s a Rose in the Middle of Winter based on medieval folk-song tradition, Jackson Berkey’s original arrangements of traditional carols, John Joubert’s arrangements of Torches, There is No Rose and the exuberant Welcome Yule, a whimsical arrangement of the 12 Days of Christmas, and as always, audience carol sing-a-longs with the chorus.

The Eternal Rose: A Requiem for the Living
Saturday, March 17, 2018, 7:30 pm
Trinity Lutheran Church
1225 Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton

Featuring Morten Lauridsen’s beloved and moving Lux Aeterna, and the fine Requiem by young American composer Daniel Elder, accompanied by organ and oboe. Additional selections include Ola Gjeilo’s mystical setting of O Magnum Mysterium and Ubi Caritas, and Paul Mealor’s triumphant Let All the World in Every Corner Sing.

A Rose for Love: Songs of Love and Gypsies
Sunday, May 20, 2018, 3:00 pm
Asbury United Methodist Church
4743 East Ave., Livermore

This concert event, a benefit for the Chorale, includes tea, coffee and cakes in an informal setting while listening to Johannes Brahms Liebeslieder Waltzes, a collection of 18 songs of love, and his Gypsy Songs depicting the carefree life of these wandering souls. For fun, the performance includes the infamous P.D.Q. Bach’s (1807-1842) witty and entertaining Liebeslieder Polkas. This Bach is a fictitious composer invented by musical satirist Peter Schickele, who wrote the choral piece and piano accompaniment for five hands! Tickets are $45.

Tickets Tickets for the December and March concerts are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. High school and college students $10 with valid student ID. Children are free. Advance tickets may be ordered by visiting the Chorale’s website at www.valleyconcertchorale.org, or by calling the Chorale’s information number at (925) 866-4003 to order tickets.

More information about the Valley Concert Chorale is available at www.valleyconcertchorale.org or by calling the general information line at (925) 866-4003.

About Valley Concert Chorale
For over 50 years, the Valley Concert Chorale has been the Tri-Valley’s premier chorus. Under the direction of John Emory Bush, the Chorale has offered a variety of musical performances to serve the diverse musical tastes of its audiences.

Valley Concert Chorale’s mission is to engage audiences in the transforming power of music by sharing their passion and joy in live performance. They are dedicated to excellence in singing choral music of all genres, nurturing the next generation of singers, and supporting musical endeavors in the Tri-Valley community.

The all-volunteer, non-profit chorale receives financial support from grants, ticket sales, membership dues, fundraisers and donations.

About the Director
John Emory Bush has been the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Valley Concert Chorale since 1998. He holds a Master’s degree from the Juilliard School of Music and is also trained as a pianist, organist and harpist. He was Music Director and Conductor of the San Francisco Concert Chorale for eighteen seasons and Director of Music and Organist at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Cathedral in Dallas from 2000-2010. Mr. Bush is Director of Music and Organist at First United Methodist Church, McKinney, Texas. For the past fifteen years, Mr. Bush has divided his time between the Bay Area and Dallas, contributing to both musical communities. ####