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TUCSON, AZ – The holiday season can stressful as well as joyful. Take a soothing break as the Southern Arizona Women’s Chorus presents of “Peaceful Wintersong” – songs of peace, lullabies and the winter season.
“If your days are stressful, or you just need some warmth and comfort images, this concert is for you,” said Terri Ashbaugh, artistic director. The program will be presented by more than 70 chorus members on Dec. 5 and Dec. 7.
SAWC’s December concert is a longtime tradition. “We will still have our Traditional Tucson 12 Days of Christmas and sing-along – so don‘t miss this heartwarming event,” Ashbaugh said. This musical comfort-food program includes an array of holiday selections including Dona Nobis Pacem, The Chanukah Song, Carol of the Bells and Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day. This is seasonal entertainment the whole family can enjoy.
Ashbaugh will conduct the program as she has since 1998. She also conducted SAWC in its Carnegie Hall debut.
The concerts will be presented Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr. and again on Sunday, Dec/ 7 at 4 p.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1220 W. Magee Road (just east of La Canada Drive). Ashbaugh will conduct the concerts, as she has since 1998. She also led SAWC in its Carnegie Hall debut.
Tickets are $15. Children age 10 and under are welcome at no charge. Group discounts are also available. Tickets can be purchased from SAWC members, online at www.southernarizonawomenschorus.org or by calling (520) 404-3148.
SAWC’s roots date to 1981. Originally incorporated as the Foothills Women’s Chorus, it was renamed in 2006 to reflect its expanding role in the community. The music performed is extremely diverse and sometimes very difficult. The repertoire spans from classical music to Broadway, folk, jazz, spiritual, seasonal and other popular songs.
SAWC presents two ticketed concerts each year – one in December and the other in spring – plus numerous sing-out performances at festivals, events, schools and senior communities throughout Southern Arizona. The chorus also is available for community events, fundraisers, holiday parties and other large gatherings. SAWC is a member of the Arizona Choral Arts Association, which Ashbaugh founded.
The theme of the spring concerts is “The Life of a Girl.” Performances will be April 10 at 7 p.m. at Catalina Foothills High School and April 12 at 4 p.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church.
Ashbaugh also is director of music at Ascension Lutheran Church and School. She currently serves as chair of the repertory and standards committee for community choirs at the Arizona chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. She is co-founder of the Women in Song Festival for Women’s Choruses, whose inaugural event was in April of 2010 in Seattle. In April 2013, SAWC hosted the second festival here in Tucson.
For more information about SAWC, visit www.southernarizonawomenschorus.org or call (520) 404-3148.
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