Holiday Joy

From Silent Night to Broadway Bright

The Asheville Senior Chorus closed out 2025 with a spectacular evening of holiday music that warmed hearts and lifted spirits across Western North Carolina. On Monday, December 15, at 7 p.m., over 50 singers took the stage at the Reuter Center on UNC Asheville’s campus for “Holiday Joy: From Silent Night to Broadway Bright” – a free concert that celebrated the season with beloved Christmas songs, contemporary holiday favorites, and classic carols.

Under the expert direction of music director and conductor Chuck Taft, with accompanist Eric Fricke at the piano, the Asheville Senior Chorus delivered a performance that blended tradition with Broadway flair, creating an unforgettable evening for audiences of all ages.

A Program That Sparkled with Variety

The “Holiday Joy” concert showcased the choir’s remarkable versatility with a carefully curated program honoring both sacred and secular holiday traditions.

The evening opened with “Christmas on Broadway,” featuring beloved songs like “It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas,” “Toyland,” and “My Favorite Things” – instantly transporting the audience to the magic of the season. Mac Huff’s arrangement of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” brought a tender moment, while Russell Robinson’s jazzy take on “Saint Nick” added contemporary flair.

Two selections from the beloved film “The Polar Express” – “Spirit of the Season” and “Believe” – reminded audiences of the wonder and belief at the heart of the season. A special highlight featured tenor Jesse Dingle in “When Love Was Born,” bringing depth and emotion to this contemporary piece.

The program honored timeless traditions with Andy Beck’s “Candlelight,” John Leavitt’s “Bashana Haba’ah,” and David Eddleman’s “Candle in the Night.” Russell Robinson’s arrangement of “In Dulci Jubilo” added classical elegance to the evening.

One of the evening’s highlights came with “A Holiday Sing-Along” by Audrey Snyder and John Moss, featuring “Deck the Hall,” “Jingle Bells,” “O Christmas Tree,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” – inviting the audience to join their voices with the chorus in celebration.

The concert concluded with “‘Tis the Season” by Douglas Wagner, sending audiences home filled with holiday spirit and joy.

The Joy of Singing Together

For the 50+ members of the Asheville Senior Chorus, the “Holiday Joy” concert represented more than just a performance – it was the culmination of weeks of Monday evening rehearsals at the Mannheimer Room in the Reuter Center, where voices blended, friendships deepened, and the magic of the season came alive through song.

“There’s something about these songs that brings out the best in us,” one member reflected. “We laugh during rehearsals, we support each other through the challenging passages, and by the time we perform, we’re not just singing – we’re sharing something sacred.”

The diverse program – spanning from silent night’s peaceful reverence to Broadway’s bright energy – showcased the choir’s range and the expertise of their leadership team.

A Community Celebration

Following the performance, attendees enjoyed a social reception – a beloved tradition that allows audience members to meet the singers, share in refreshments, and celebrate the season together. The warm, welcoming atmosphere reflected the Asheville Senior Chorus’s commitment to building community through music.

Leadership That Inspires

Under the direction of Chuck Taft, the Asheville Senior Chorus continues to grow in both skill and spirit. Taft’s approach to choral direction emphasizes joy, community, and musical excellence – creating an environment where singers of all levels can thrive. Accompanist Eric Fricke’s masterful piano work provided the foundation for every piece, supporting the voices while adding depth and emotion to each arrangement.

Part of OLLI at UNC Asheville

The Asheville Senior Chorus meets weekly as a community partner with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNC Asheville – a program dedicated to enriching the lives of adults 50 and older through learning, creativity, and community engagement.

The chorus is unique in that it requires no auditions – asking only that participants love singing. This inclusive approach has created a welcoming space where experienced vocalists sing alongside those discovering their voices for the first time.

A Year of Beautiful Music

The December 15 “Holiday Joy” concert marked the final performance of 2025 for the Asheville Senior Chorus – a year that included spring collaborations with the UNC Asheville University Chorale, Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremony performances, and a special October concert celebrating the music of local composer Dave Bates. Each performance throughout 2025 reinforced the chorus’ mission: to bring people together through the transformative power of music.

Join the Asheville Senior Chorus

If you were inspired by the “Holiday Joy” concert and have been thinking about joining a community choir in Asheville, the Asheville Senior Chorus welcomes new members for the 2026 season.

Rehearsal Details:

When: Every Monday, 6:15-8:15 p.m.
Where: Mannheimer Room, Reuter Center, UNCA Campus (300 Campus View Drive, Asheville, NC)
Cost: Membership Dues of $100 in Jan and Aug. OLLI membership not required
Auditions: None required – just bring your love of singing

Get More Information:

Email: info@ashevilleseniorchorus.com
Phone: (828) 903-4272
Website: ashevilleseniorchorus.com
Facebook: facebook.com/ashevilleseniorchorus

A Gift to the Community

By offering the “Holiday Joy” concert free to the public, the Asheville Senior Chorus demonstrated their commitment to making music accessible to all. This generosity reflects the values of both the chorus and OLLI at UNC Asheville – that learning, creativity, and community should be available to everyone.

The “Holiday Joy” concert captured the magic of holiday music performed live – the hushed reverence of “Silent Night,” the jazzy swing of contemporary arrangements, and the joyful exuberance of a holiday sing-along. It was a celebration of what’s possible when people come together to create something beautiful.