Practices begin September 18 for the 2025 Christmas Concert

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Practices begin for the Mission Valley Choral Society Christmas Concerts on Thursday, September 18 from 7 to 9 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church in Polson. The concerts are scheduled for the weekend of December 13 and 14. The choir welcomes all adults who enjoy singing, auditions are not required.

Director Cathy Gillhouse has selected traditional and contemporary Christmas songs from Handel’s Messiah mixed with “Breath of Heaven” by Amy Grant and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Her international selections include “Cold December Flies Away” a Catalonian carol and “Pat-a-Pan” a French Burgundian carol.

The choir has existed in the Mission Valley since the 1960s and brings together a diverse group of 30 to 40 people, all ages with varied backgrounds, united to bring joy through music.

For information contact 406-261-3304 or 406-260-6103; or check out the MVCS website missionvalleychoralsociety.org or Facebook page.

List of Songs (not in order for concert)

Cold December Flies Away – good arrangement of Catalonian carol

Breath of Heaven – by Amy Grant - arranged for women’s voices

Hallelujah Chorus – by Handel from the Messiah

And The Glory of the Lord - by Handel from the Messiah

There is No Rose of Such Virtue and Lo, How a Rose – (two pieces sung as a set)

Hannukah Shalom – traditional Hebrew greeting with Shalom Chavarim (a Hebrew round)

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – 

Pat-a-Pan – Burgundian Carol, performed with piano, drum and flute accompaniment

Jingle Bell Festivo – fun arrangement 

We Wish you a Merry Christmas – Great arrangement, which this choir sang three years

ago, but I wanted the choir to sing it again. 

What a Wonderful World – (not a Christmas song)

I Am But a Small Voice - (not a Christmas song)