Mission Valley Choral Society performs
courtesy photo
MVCS performers practice for the show.
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News from the MVCS
For over 50 years, singers from all around the Mission Valley have gathered to create beautiful music. Some of the former directors of MVCS have included Scotty Lea, Byron Christian, Sandy Ver Shoot, Christian Bumgarner and Mason Niblack. Many valley residents have had opportunities to experience great choral pieces and have been able to work with fine instrumentalists as well, from Missoula and Kalispell.
The Presbyterian Bell Choir has also partnered with the choir on many occasions. MVCS performances have been given throughout the valley but the favorite place to share music has been the St. Ignatius Mission church.
This year, the 30 voice choir will be joined by accompanist, Karla Gallatin and the string quartet from the Glacier Symphony in presenting Handel’s “Messiah” and Eric Whitacre’s octavo, “Glow.” The choir will perform at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1 in the St. Ignatius Mission and will follow that on Sunday, Dec. 2 with a 2 p.m. performance in the Ronan Performing Arts Center.
The Choir is directed this year by Christian Bumgarner after a 10-year hiatus. MVCS has rehearsed on Tuesdays this fall in the Polson Presbyterian Church annex and the choir would like to thank the church for their generous support.
“Directing the choir this fall has been very life giving,” said Bumgarner. “I’ve missed creating music in a choir setting on a regular basis and the ‘Messiah’ is a great way to return to this choir.”
Bumgarner added, “I know the audience will love ‘Glow’ as well because it’s so contemporary and different from Handel’s creation. Both compositions will be accompanied by Karla and the string quartet, and we are excited to share this quality music with everyone in the valley.”
A number of the choir members will be featured soloists in the “Messiah,” and for some, this will be their first opportunity to perform with a string ensemble.
There is no admission fee to either of the concerts, but donations will be accepted to offset the costs of bringing in the professional musicians. A portion of the Mission concert donations will be given to the Catholic Church to help with the restoration and upkeep of the fresco paintings in the sanctuary.
The choir would like to thank all those who have supported the group in the past, and hopefully, your encouragement will keep the Mission Valley Choral Society alive for another 50 years.
