LIVERMORE – The Valley Concert Chorale, the Tri-Valley’s premier chorus, is pleased to announce its 48th concert season featuring four performances, two of which include collaborations with the Tri-Valley’s own Las Positas College Chamber Choir and Cantabella Children’s Chorus, as well as the San Francisco Concert Chorale. 

 The 2011-2012 concert season titled “Delightfully Unique Musical Experiences…” opens with an October performance of American spirituals in new arrangements by guest Swedish soprano saxophonist Anders Paulsson.  The Chorale’s Artistic Director John Emory Bush explains his excitement about having this talented musician perform for the season’s opening performance.

 “We are so excited about this opportunity to share Anders Paulsson’s incredible talent with the community.  He will accompany the chorale as we perform his new arrangements of several well-known American spirituals, including the world-premiere of his arrangement of O, When the Saints Come Marching In.”

Full season details are as follows:

 …Of Sax and Spirituals

• Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011; 3 p.m.

Mertes Center for the Arts, Las Positas College, Livermore

 Favorite spirituals in new arrangements by guest artist Anders Paulsson, internationally known Swedish soprano saxophonist and composer, including the world premiere of his new arrangement of “O When the Saints Come Marching In” with audience participation. Performing these pieces with the Chorale are the Las Positas College Chamber Choir and San Francisco Concert Chorale.

 …Of Carols and Candlelight

• Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011-8 p.m.

Trinity Lutheran Church

1225 Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton

• Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011-3 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church, Livermore

Corner of 4th and L Streets, Livermore

 Holiday carols including selections from Britten’s Ceremony of Carols and Rutter’s Dancing Day, featuring guest harpist Daniel Levitan and special guests Cantabella Children’s Chorus and Las Positas College Chamber Choir. The program will also include audience sing-along of traditional carols.

 …Of Handel and Hallelujahs – Annual Sing-It-Yourself Messiah

• Friday, Dec. 9, 2011-7:30 p.m.

Trinity Lutheran Church

1225 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton

 It’s the annual holiday event. Join friends and neighbors in singing Part I of Handel’s great choral masterpiece. Enjoy singing “Glory to God” and “For Unto Us a Child is Born” and finish with a rousing rendition of the “Hallelujah Chorus.”

 …Of Coronations and Weddings

• Saturday, March 10, 2012-7 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church

4th & L Streets, Livermore

 Festive music fit for a king or queen! Featuring selections from the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the recent wedding of Prince William and Kate, including music by Elton John, The Beatles, and Handel’s Zadok, the Priest.

 …Of Springtime Sounds, Bugs and All

• Saturday, May 12, 2012-7 p.m.

Trinity Lutheran Church

1225 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton

 Songs of spring and all that comes with the season: bugs, love, toasts of cheer, and crazy weather. Featuring Hoag’s unique Cicada Songs with clarinet and marimba, and Barber’s Heavenly Banquet, plus madrigals, drinking songs, and even a weather report.

The Valley Concert Chorale, now in its 48th season, is the Tri-Valley’s premier chorus.  Under the direction of John Emory Bush, the Chorale has offered a variety of musical performances to serve the diverse musical tastes of its audiences. 

Valley Concert Chorale’s mission is to engage audiences in the transforming power of music by sharing their passion and joy in live performance.  They are dedicated to excellence in singing choral music of all genres, nurturing the next generation of singers, and supporting musical endeavors in the Tri-Valley community.

The Chorale’s educational outreach program Music in the Schools, presents original musical performances at Tri-Valley primary school assemblies to celebrate the joy of music and singing with area students.  Individuals and corporations are invited to provide financial contributions of any amount.  For information, call Pam Grove at 925-462-4205.

The all-volunteer, non-profit chorale receives financial support from grants, ticket sales, membership dues, fundraisers and donations.

For more information about the Valley Concert Chorale performances, ticket purchases and auditions, visit www.valleyconcertchorale.org or call the general information line at (925) 866-4003.