MONTICELLO — The Sullivan County Community Chorus presented their Winter Concert entitled “Lux! Let There Be Light!” to a full house at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, December 9 to usher in the holiday season.

It had been 19 years since the chorus had performed in the church’s exquisite sanctuary, so they were overjoyed to be back. The church’s beautifully restored vaulted ceiling and digital organ made it the ideal venue for the occasion, according to Lou Setren, President of the Board of Directors.

The forty members of the choir ensemble ranged in age from 22 to 80.

Prelude, the choir’s opening piece, was melancholic. They continued with a lengthy song called “Lux Aeterna,” which was divided into five parts. 

“This was our first major project since COVID,” Conductor Kevin Giroux told the audience. “We really had to dig in and they [all] did an amazing job.”

“It makes everybody feel and sing better when it’s a full house.”

Accompanist Kiera Weyant played Silent Night on her piano following a brief intermission.

After that, the ensemble sang “The Ground” and “Ubi Caritas.” Craig Williams, the director and organist of West Point Cadet Chapel, then played “In Dulci Jubilo, BWV 729” on his instrument. It is said that Williams plays the largest church pipe organ in the world in his hometown of West Point.

“Iam Sol Recedit” and “Lux Beata Trinitas,” featuring guest soloist Richard Fairbanks on the oboe, kicked off the event’s conclusion.

“I’ve been doing this since I was a senior in High School,” said Setren. “May this season bring you joy, and may this coming New Year bring you peace.”

To bring the event to a successful and spirited conclusion, the choir sang a lively rendition of the prelude to round off the evening.