Photo Courtesy of Upscale Singers
Watching singers enjoy performing is fun for the audience, too. That’s the mindset behind every Upscale Singers concert.
For the third year, Scottsdale’s premier adult choir will conduct its Christmas shows in a relaxed holiday party setting at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, 34605 N. Tom Darlington Dr.
The idea of “Spirit of the Season” is for audience members to feel as if they are attending an intimate gathering of friends who love to sing. This year the audience has a choice of two different times to feel that joy: Sat., Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 11 at 5 p.m.
Tickets ($20 for adults, $10 for youths ages 18 and under) are available at upscalesingers.com or at the door.
“I am really excited about this year’s concert. The music’s great, and the choir sounds wonderful!” Director Margaret Watson says. “All the singers have been talking about how much they love the music selections, and I love them, too.”
The selections range from holiday classics including “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” “Angels’ Carol,” and Handel’s chorus “For Unto Us a Child Is Born” from the Messiah to current-day favorites––“Breath of Heaven,” “Mary Did You Know?” and “Glow”. There also will be opportunities for the audience to sing along.
“The music is gorgeous and really touches the heart. I know I feel that way at every rehearsal,” says Watson.
Upscale Singers concerts combine experience with expertise. The singers perform without holding music books – they memorize the selections and interact with the audience. That’s why the concerts are so lively.
“I feel so honored to be directing this group,” Watson says. “They are so talented and give everything they have to the performances. They share their love of music with the audience, and that is a very special gift. Many of us have been singing together for almost 20 years, and there is really a bond that has developed.”
Upscale Singers was formed in 2005 to provide great entertainment for the community and benefit young vocalists. The 30-member group is a nonprofit organization, and every concert also includes the Upscale Kids.
Upscale Singers’ biggest youth program is the Cheryl Siebs Memorial Vocal Scholarships. The first-place finishers in the senior and junior divisions sing at the concerts, and the prize money for each one goes to the vocal music teacher of the winner’s choice.
