As a writer, I enjoy many forms of written expression including poetry, essays and obviously journalism. They each bring me a level of satisfaction, a feeling of a job well done and sometimes the delight in creating something of which I am truly proud. However, one form of expression gives me such a feeling of excitement, pride and creative satisfaction that participating in it is a joy to rival all others, and that is singing with the NOVA Community Chorus.

I began singing and performing in choruses when I was in fourth grade in 1993, I continued to sing in choruses throughout middle school, and on my own until 2005. Then I abruptly stopped singing on a regular basis because of health reasons. However, this semester I decided that singing was again going to take a role in my life, and I am incredibly glad I made that decision. We, the NOVA Community Chorus, are performing Judas Maccabeus, which was not a piece I was familiar with when we began but is a piece I have come to love over these past months. I hope you will fall for the piece as well, that is, if you make it out to hear us perform. You may find yourself humming the phrases to yourself while you drive home, as I wake up humming them to myself each morning.

For those of you unfamiliar with Judas Maccabeus, it is a Baroque piece of music that illustrates in lively tones the story of Chanukah. It is at times powerful while at others so beautifully lilting as to sound like angels composed it. However if you thought that, you would be mistaken, as it was composed by Handel. :-)

Music Composition major at NOVA, Brandon Homayouni, who sings with the Washington Cathedral Choral Society as well as the NOVA Community Chorus said, “I love rehearsing Judas Maccabeus with the NOVA Community Chorus. I am elated and grateful after each time we rehearse.”

Personally, as a member of the Community Chorus, I have never sung with a more talented group of people, and I find going to rehearsals a joy as well.

To experience the enchantment of Judas Maccabeus yourself, come join the NOVA Community Chorus, conducted by the college’s own Dr. Mark Whitmire, at one of our three performances in early December. In the words of Whitmire, who has been conducting the NOVA chorus group since its founding in 1987, “[Northern Virginia Community College] should be proud to have a chorus that has gained a reputation as among the finest in the region.”

The first performance will be on Sunday, Dec. 5 at 3 p.m., at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria. The next will be Thursday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m., at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the Alexandria campus. The final show will be Sunday, Dec. 12 at 3 p.m., at the Church of the Epiphany in Washington, D.C.

Admission to the concerts are free, however a donation is requested.

For the Thursday performance, the chorus will be singing selections from Judas Maccabeus, as well as a unique rendition of the classic Christmas carols “Let It Snow” and “Winter Wonderland.” For both Sunday performances there will be orchestral accompaniment by the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association. Thursday, the chorus will be accompanied by the talented Christina Hagan on piano. So come enjoy the power and excitement of Judas Maccabeus with the NOVA Community Chorus. You won’t regret it.

By: Ashley Strobridge

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