The Medford Friends Meeting will continue more than a quarter-century cherished holiday tradition with a free concert at 7 p.m. on Dec. 7. The concert at 14 Union St. in Medford, coincides with the town’s annual Dickens Festival. This year the concert will feature the acclaimed ChildrenSong of New Jersey, founded and directed by Polly Murray, a music educator with numerous awards to her credit.
“This is always a special time for us,” said Gail Ziegler, a member of Friends Meeting. “We all look forward to this concert as a time to welcome neighbors from throughout the region. The warm environment of our 200-year-old meetinghouse will be a perfect setting for this wonderful chorus of young singers in their first appearance at our meeting.”
On Dec. 7, ChildrenSong will perform a variety of seasonal works which may include “Carol of the Rose” by Randall Thompson, “French Carol Suite,” a special arrangement of “12 Days of Christmas,” and a holiday sing-along with the audience, to mention just a few. All are welcome and admission is free.
Established in 2000, the choral program based in Haddonfield serves 75 children in four choirs between the ages of eight and 18 from Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester counties. Over the years, the chorus has performed at Carnegie Hall, Longwood Gardens, Washington National Cathedral, Kimmel Center, Mann Music Center and Canterbury Cathedral in England among many more.
In November, the chorus auditioned by invitation at America’s Got Talent in New York City. A performance tour to Central Florida is also on the agenda for this busy group. Last summer, the choir was chosen to participate in the Missoula International Choral Festival as one of only three American choirs selected by audition.
