Sellout crowds see Schuylkill Choral Society's holiday shows
Dec. 5—POTTSVILLE — So many people attended the Schuylkill Choral Society's "50th Anniversary Holiday Spectacular" that there weren't enough programs to go around.
The first performance was 7 p.m. Saturday at Grace Evangelical Congregational Church in Schuylkill Haven. The second was 3 p.m. Sunday at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Pottsville.
About 250 programs were available for each staging.
Cynthia Mensch, president of the Schuylkill Choral Society board of directors, said running out of programs is unusual.
"We normally get good groups, but that was a sellout," she said in an interview during intermission at Sunday's show.
The society has performed across America, the United Kingdom and Europe. But Mensch said there's nothing better than singing before a hometown audience.
"Just knowing we brought joy to them is one of the most satisfying feelings you can have," she said.
This year there are 88 members in the society, although not all were able to sing this weekend.
Before Sunday's show began, Mensch spoke to the audience at St. Patrick Church, thanking people for coming.
The society is under the direction of Dr. Mark P. Thomas. It formed in 1973 and was originally known as the Schuylkill County Community Chorus.
Other concerts in its 2022-23 season include "An Irish Celebration" in March and the "50th Anniversary Concert" in May.
Thomas said during intermission that he is appreciative of the community support.
"We couldn't keep going if nobody would come out," he said.
Among the songs performed were "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear," "The First Noel" and "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing."
Waiting for Sunday's concert to begin, Louise Dunkel, of Pottsville, said that she has been attending the show annually for eight years.
"It's a cultural event in the city," she said, adding that it's important for music to flourish.
She particularly enjoys the variety of music and the "spectacular voices."
Trudi and George Zimmerman, of Lewisberry, York County, came with a friend, Marian Long, of Middletown, Delaware.
Trudi Zimmerman, who was born in Schuylkill County, said before the concert that she was looking forward to "really good music."
Eileen Kauffman,74, of Pine Grove, wanted to be "spiritually uplifted." It was her first time at the holiday show.
Maria Burke, 67, of Pine Grove, came to "get into the spirit." It was also her first time at the event.
Bob Wachter, of Pottsville, 86, has attended the holiday show five or six times.
"I'm sorry I haven't been here more often," he said during intermission. "It is wonderful.
"I feel I should have been here more. It's such a great group and they do so well."
Contact the writer: amarchiano@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023
