As Christmas Day inches near, the nonprofit Haddonfield Center and School for the Performing Arts (HCSPA) is offering a way to relax and unwind.
“We Wish You a Thirteen Christmas” will be held on Saturday, Dec. 22 beginning at 7 p.m. at Grace Church in Haddonfield.
“The Thirteen is a professional chamber choir of 12 singers and one conductor,” said Matthew Robertson, who serves as conductor for the group.
The professional choral ensemble performs throughout the state, Robertson said.
At Grace Church, the atmosphere will be peaceful, with the feel of a monastery, he said.
Guests will be in for a reflective evening, he said, and candles will light the church.
Tickets are priced at $25 for preferred seating, $20 for general admission and there is no cost for children aged 12 and under.
“If they buy tickets online and use the coupon code ‘ticketsinadvance’ they get a $5 discount,” said Robertson.
The performance is part of the 2012–2013 concert series being organized by the center. The Thirteen previously held a Haddonfield concert in October.
According to The Thirteen’s website, “The Thirteen is committed to a non-hierarchal music making process. Although there are innumerable audience members, 12 singers and one conductor, these are roles that each person takes on, and everyone plays a part in the artistic activities of The Thirteen.”
While a wide range of music will be played at the concert, mostly there will be music in the Baroque and Renaissance styles, said Robertson.
According to the center’s website, “Encompassing medieval chant and modern carols, as well as masses and motets, this concert is one not to miss!”
There will be a Meet the Artists reception following the show.
Robertson, according to his staff biography, is in his inaugural season with the group.
Previously, he was assistant conductor for the Westminster Symphonic Choir.
He also holds the positions of director of music and organist at Grace Church.
“I think people have really enjoyed the concerts that they’ve seen (at HCSPA) this year,” he said. “The only response I’ve received has been positive.”
On average, the concerts attract between 60 and 80 people, he said, adding, “Larger would be wonderful.”
“The center was formed this past June,” Robertson said. “It was originally ‘Arts at Grace.’”
The series currently has concerts scheduled through June 2013.
“All of the performers are at least regional performers,” he said, while some in the series are international, leading the way for “quite an exciting season.”
One of the most exciting concerts on the horizon, Robertson said, is Noam Sivan’s performance slated for Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013.
“He’s really an international quality pianist,” he said.
That performance will be held in the Grace Performance Hall with tickets priced at $20 each.
According to Robertson, there was a growing consensus in the community that there was a need for a nonprofit concert series in the borough, which led to the beginnings of HCSPA.
The goal, he said, was to bring a series into easy reach for Haddonfield residents.
Recently, in going along with that goal, an evening was to be held on Dec. 8 of readings and carols at Grace Church.
So who would best benefit from attending the upcoming candlelight concert?
Anyone who finds the pace of life to be too fast, Robertson said, “and wants to experience moments of peace and tranquility in the midst of their busy lives.”
Additional details
For more information on the Haddonfield Center and School for the Performing Arts or for tickets to “We Wish You a Thirteen Christmas,” visit www.haddonfieldarts.org or call (856) 685–9226.
Learn more about The Thirteen and listen to some of their recordings by visiting www.thethirteenchamberchoir.com.
