A Candlelight Christmas

For those who missed last week's gift to the town from Staples High School, here are highlights from the 2009 Candlelight Concert.

Merry Christmas!

Once the Chamber Orchestra at Staples High School welcomed the 1,000-member audience at the 2009 Candlelight Concert last Friday, the lights dimmed and all was quiet.

The audience soon heard harmonious voices coming from the hallway at the back of the theater — a musical sign the "Sing We Noel Processional" was about to begin.

Students dressed in blue choir robes walked slowly as they carried candles into the auditorium. They filled the aisles and surrounded the crowd as they sang the 16th century French carol, accompanied by the orchestra.

The processional is a tradition at the Candlelight Concert, which is celebrating its 69th year at Staples. The concert is a gift from the Staples High School Music Department to the town.

Following the processional, the chorus and chorale sang several songs, including "Lift Up Your Heads" from Handel's "Messiah."

The A Cappella Choir picked up the pace with an "African Noel," complete with drums and choreography.

The Symphonic Orchestra followed with a mesmerizing performance of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake Suite.

The Symphonic and Sophomore Band then played the "March of Three Kings," "Chanukah is Here," and "Sleigh Ride," which was met with rousing applause.

One of the annual crowd favorites, "Santa Unplugged," performed next.

Buddy the Elf, Max from Where the Wild Things Are, reindeer, New Elves on the Block, Santa and Mrs. Claus, princesses, a ballerina, a toy soldier and many other characters performed a modern take on some Christmas carols and a rap with Santa.

The two-hour event, which left everyone grinning, ended with the crowd singing-a-long to Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's "Messiah." 

"We come every year," said Pat McAndrews, grandmother to Matthew and Nicole Brill who play in the school orchestra. "I think it's wonderful and a great way to get into the holiday spirit."