The New Jersey Choral Society presents "Magnificat"

RIDGEWOOD, N.J. - Oct. 25, 2016 - PRLog -- Essex and Bergen County – Revel in the joyous music of the season as the New Jersey Choral Society presents its annual holiday concerts, "Magnificat," Saturday, December 3 at 8:00 pm and Sunday, December 4 at 3:00 pm in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 30 North Fullerton Ave., Montclair. A third performance will be held on Tuesday, December 6 at 7:30 pm in the West Side Presbyterian Church, 6 South Monroe St., Ridgewood.

The festive program, under the direction of Eric Dale Knapp, opens with three rousing sacred songs, "Keep Your Lamps," "The First Song of Isaiah," and "Een So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come," followed by two traditional carols "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" and "Do You Hear What I Hear." An inspiring rendition of Monteverdi's "Magnificat," based on the MarianVespers or evening prayers, concludes the first half.

Other program highlights include "O Nata Lux" by Morten Lauridsen, two English carols, "The First Noel" and "Nativity Carol" by John Rutter, and the uplifting "Hallelujah" from Handel's"Messiah."  A new work entitled "Hannah Prays," written and arranged by NJCS member and Ridgewood resident Rita Blacker, will also be performed.

Linda Sweetman-Waters will accompany NJCS on the organ and a Brass and Percussion Ensemble will also be featured.  The NJCS Festival Youth Chorus, directed by Noelle Dachis, will join NJCS as well in this exciting performance

Advance tickets are $25.00 for adults and $22.00 for students and seniors (Add $5.00 at the door). A 10% discount for groups of 10 or more is also available. Come one hour prior to performance time for The Inside Line, a complimentary lecture for all ticket holders that provides an intimate and entertaining preview of the music. For reservations or more information, visit www.NJCS.org or call the New Jersey Choral Society at (201) 379-7719.

Established in 1980, the New Jersey Choral Society is one of the state's most prestigious choral groups, well-known for presenting outstanding and unique programs. Under the direction of Eric Dale Knapp, NJCS performs three major concerts annually in Bergen and Essex counties. They have performed at Carnegie Hall and the White House and have toured internationally in Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, China, Australia, England, France and next summer in Italy.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception and West Side Presbyterian Church are both wheelchair accessible. Funding has been made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.