November 6, 2023

Charlotte’s premiere choral program for children and youth is back to fill the city with song this holiday season plus announcement of details for annual Serenade Gala

Staff member, Hunter Rigsby

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For over three decades Charlotte Choir School has filled the city with song during their annual Christmas Concerts, set to take place on December 8th and 9th in Uptown Charlotte.

Noel: A Christmas Concert is conducted by Artistic Director Elizabeth Lenti and performed by the school’s five choirs of children and youth. For two nights, the choirs will perform at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in the heart of the Queen City.

“Having our choral program reside in Uptown is certainly something we take pride in and is one of the things we love to share this time of year. We get the chance to welcome patrons from all over through our doors at St. Peter’s while having the concerts be the prelude to what the holiday season means for so many,” Executive Director Davis A. Tapp shares.

Inspired by the tradition of caroling during Christmas time, the program is composed of classic pieces such as the Traditional French Carol Il est né, le divin Enfant as well as festive favorites Winter Wonderland and Jingle Bells.

“The Christmas Concerts are a staple of our program here, one that our choristers take much pride in performing for the public,” Tapp explains.

In the new year, the nonprofit will host its annual Serenade Gala on March 8, 2024, at The Terrace at Cedar Hill. This gala raises awareness and support for the ongoing mission to keep Charlotte Choir School accessible for all through a tuition-free model. Tickets will go on sale in late winter.

How to buy tickets to Noel: Tickets will be available to the public beginning Wednesday, Nov. 8 online at https://charlottechoirschool.org.

# # #

About Charlotte Choir School

Since 1993, Charlotte Choir School has enriched and strengthened young lives through excellent, rigorous music education and choral performance. Conceived in the English choral tradition, the program serves young men and women from every background and corner of the Charlotte region, with more than 75 students aged seven to 18 comprising five distinct choirs. Over its 30-year history, the organization has taught more than 900 Charlotte-area students. Entirely tuition-free, the 501(c)3 nonprofit relies on individual contributions, foundation, and corporate support. You can learn more at CharlotteChoirSchool.org.

Press Contact

Hayley Kruth

Moxie Made

hayley@moxiemade.co

(502) 494-5207

Vivamus sit amet orci nisi. Orci varius natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Curabitur ullamcorper felis vitae nibh consequat

Attending a Concert

Whether you’ve been attending Charlotte Choir School concerts for years, or this will be your first time, we want you to enjoy yourself and support our singers as a comfortable member of our audience. Here are some frequently asked questions about the concert-going experience that may help.

When do I applaud?

Our choirs love an enthusiastic and appreciative audience, so we encourage your applause. Please hold any applause during short pauses between movements or sections of longer pieces. Once a complete piece has ended, your applause is greatly appreciative. A standing ovation for our final curtain call is always appreciated, too!

May I bring food and beverages?

Food or beverage is not permitted in our main stage venue, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Please respect the sanctity of our founding partner’s worship space.

What if I arrive late?

Concerts begin promptly at the announced starting time. Latecomers and those who leave the venue before or during a work will be seated at the first appropriate break in the program.

When should I arrive?

Please consider how long it will take you to park, walk to our venue, check in, and have a moment before the show to familiarize yourself with the program and relax. We suggest you arrive at the venue at least 20 minutes before showtime.

Can I bring my cell phone or camera?

Yes, cell phones and cameras are allowed. However, we require that you turn off all cell phones, cameras, pagers, beeping watches, and other electronic devices before the performance begins — and that you check to see that they are again turned off after any intermission.Audience members may take photographs before and after the concert. Please note, however, that no photography or recording of any kind is permitted during the performance. Anyone seen using a camera, smart phone, or other device for these activities will be asked to leave.

How long are your concerts?

Our main stage concerts are about 90 minutes and are generally presented without an intermission.

Where do I get my tickets?

Tickets are sold on our website and all tickets are delivered by email to the purchaser. We do not have a will call, and your ticket (printed or on device) must be presented for proof at the venue.

Where do I park?

For main stage concerts at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church or First United Methodist Church, free parking is provided in the TransAmerica Square parking garage on Seventh Street. Enter on Seventh just west of Tryon and bring your ticket with you to the show for validation.

What should I wear?

You’re Uptown for a concert in Charlotte — have fun! But there’s no need to stress. Business or business casual works for all main stage concerts. Most importantly, we want you to be comfortable.

What if I know nothing about choral music and your repertoire?

That’s okay! We perform sacred and secular choral music with a repertoire that features a mix of accessible, familiar choral works, and some pieces you may not expect. You don’t need to know anything about our repertoire to enjoy our concerts. We will publish the concert program in advance, with information about the composers featured and pieces to be performed. We’ll also include links to Spotify and Apple Music where you can hear some pieces in commercial recordings. Elizabeth Lenti, our Artistic Director, also offers program notes from the stage with information on what to listen for in a piece.