The Greenville Community Harmony Chorus is readying for a night of singing holiday melodies for their 20th annual Celebrating Christmas Concert.
The concert is set to start at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Jake and Freda Stein Hall inside E.E. Bass Cultural Arts Center.
Organizer and chorus member Donna Pettiet said this year, the chorus will render 20 songs, some of which will be sung by soloists.
In her ninth year as organizer, Pettiet recalled how the idea for a chorus came about during former Greenville Mayor Paul Artman’s administration.
When the chorus started in 1999, the director was Kay Ventura, according to Pettiet.
“They used to have harmony luncheons years ago and at one of the luncheons, they came up with the idea of trying to get everybody from the Delta and surrounding areas in unity and harmony,” she said.
Four women contributed to solidifying the chorus and bringing the idea into fruition — Kay Ventura, Beth Worth, Betty Lynn Cameron and Shelby Anne Jackson.
The Greenville Community Harmony Chorus consists of people from all over Washington County including Greenville, Leland and Hollandale.
Directing the choir this year is Bob Hawkins and the pianist is Joey Polk.
According to Pettiet, one of the chorus’ signature songs is “Let There Be Peace on Earth” and other familiar carols to be rendered are “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night” and “Silver Bells.”
Admission to the concert is free.
“The concert is for the community,” Pettiet said. “We are all volunteers but we do have expenses, so we ask for donations.”
Pettiet also praised sponsors who generously assist in making the concert possible year to year.
“Without them, we wouldn’t be able to put this concert on,” she said.
This year’s sponsors include Infinite Concepts, Wise Solutions Inc., Gary and Kim Taylor, Simmons & Simmons, PLLC, Twin County Electric Power Association, Guaranty Bank & Trust, Ike and Beverly Trotter and Mrs. Beth Worth.
The poinsettias that grace the concert hall are donated anonymously.
Donations can be made and sent to: Greenville Community Harmony Chorus, 1861 S. Lake Ferguson Road, Greenville, MS 38703.
