This month J. Ernest Green and his Annapolis Chorale have been busy music makers - a midmonth pops concert at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, a Youth Chorus concert at St. Anne's Episcopal Church, caroling by chorale members in downtown Annapolis, several performances at retirement communities, and a benefit concert for Beans and Bread in Baltimore.
And last weekend, the chorale was back at St. Anne's with two performances of Handel's Messiah - its complete form Saturday and an abbreviated version with Christmas carols Sunday.
The Dec. 13 holiday pops concert, A Celebration of Christmas, cast a warm glow over the capacity audience at Maryland Hall.
During the performance, the Annapolis Chamber Orchestra expertly played a range of music that included Georges Bizet's Farandole from L'Arlesienne suite, a fantasia on "Greensleeves," Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride" and Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song."
The orchestra welcomed pianist Stef Scaggiari and his formidable talents. Scaggiari's deconstructed version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" took the tune to spectacular heights.
As is the custom each year at the celebration, a special guest reader tells seasonal stories. This year Carl Kasell of National Public Radio skillfully handled the assignment with charm.
Soloists were soprano Carolene Winter, the chorale's accompanist who sang "O Joyful Children," and guest singer-songwriter Mack Bailey, who sang "A Little Boy's Christmas." Together, they performed a duet of "O Holy Night."
Special charm was added to the evening by the 50-voice Annapolis Youth Chorus, directed by Laurie Hays. The chorus, in its second year, delivered thoroughly professional versions of "African Praise Noel" and "Festival of Lights," a Hanukkah song.
The 170-voice Annapolis Chorale sang several traditional carols - some with the audience joining in - and a medley of favorite holiday tunes.
At St. Anne's on Saturday, the chorus and orchestra delivered a sublime version of Handel's Messiah.
Soloists were soprano Amy Cofield, mezzo-soprano Susan Fleming, tenor Vijay Ghosh and bass Jason Hardy.
As music director at historic St. Anne's, Green has the advantage of knowing how to display the singers and orchestra to full advantage within the church's space.
Ghosh was the first soloist heard, and he displayed extraordinary skill at vocal embellishment in his highly expressive voice.
Next was Hardy, who was magnificent in a performance with dramatic flair. Hardy's rich and powerful voice has agility that was thrilling when heard with Greg McDonald's trumpet.
Fleming offered elegant solos. Especially moving were her duets with Cofield, who gave a triumphant performance.