The Women’s Chorus of Dallas will continue its annual holiday concert online this Saturday to help uplift the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The program, called Love & Joy, will feature classic holiday carols, a lighthearted snow medley and finish with its traditional closer, “Let There Be Peace On Earth.”

Melinda Imthurn, the artistic director, said that the Women’s Chorus, like many arts groups, has felt the pandemic’s impact. 

“For a group the size of ours, there’s no technology that allows us to synch up and perform together via Zoom,” Imthurn said. 

So, this year the concert will be pre-recorded. Also, only about half of the chorus is partaking in the holiday show. 

For the 31 members participating, rehearsals can be problematic. For example, directors rehearse the music via Zoom while performers are on mute. The singers then record their parts separately and submit it to the chorus’ audio and videographer. 

“It has definitely been a challenge and completely different than what we are used to,” Imthrun said. “But we’ve been able to create a program that I’m really excited about.”

In previous seasons, the chorus has prepared a two-hour program. This year, it’s shortened to about 45 minutes. 

“And part of that is sitting in front of the computer for a long amount of time is generally what people are doing all day for work and they may not want to sit for that long,” Imthurn said. 

The chorus will not be caroling at social service agencies this year, given the pandemic. Instead, they will send out a virtual program to each agency. 

The Women’s Chorus of Dallas during rehearsals. Photo: Crystal Koe, executive director of the choir.

Imthurn said she has a new appreciation for the in-person experience and connection the chorus has built over the years.

“It’s easy to take things for granted until they’re gone and I think that when we do return to rehearsing in person or even if the technology comes to where we can hear each other  — the appreciation for that will be immense,” Imthurm said.

The pre-recorded concert will have a live premiere watch party, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Performers will also share their favorite seasonal traditions and memories.

Got a tip? Email Mia Estrada at mestrada@kera.org. You can follow her on Twitter @miaaestrada.

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