The Gallagher Bluedorn announces the second annual “A Bel Canto Christmas: Songs of the Season”

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - On Dec. 14, voices from across the Cedar Valley will come together to celebrate the holiday season for "A Bel Canto Christmas: Songs of the Season." Now in its second year, the collaborative project will bring together the talented singers from Bel Canto Cedar Valley, the Waverly-Shell Rock Chamber Choir and the Jesse Cosby Community Collective in a performance that marries together classic Christmas tunes with gospel and contemporary holiday hits.

This event will be held in the Catherine Cassidy Gallagher Great Hall of the Gallagher Bluedorn on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m.

Jennifer Onuigbo, community relations manager at the Gallagher Bluedorn, says, "We are thrilled to again bring this exciting project to the Cedar Valley. There is so much talent in our communities, and we love to spotlight that talent whenever we can." She added, "This project is especially exciting as we bring together three very distinct groups of musicians, ages and musical genres from the Cedar Valley for a top-tier performance. Events that bring people together are a win for our community. Last year's performance was really special, so we are certain that this year, there will be something for everyone to enjoy!"

Alice Pruisner, who serves as both artistic director for Bel Canto Cedar Valley and this collaborative project, says "BCCV's mission is to contribute to the cultural enrichment of the community by promoting quality choral music, exploring vast and varied choral repertoire and encouraging music as a life-long passion. Last year's event was an absolute success in meeting our mission as an organization and was also a complete joy to perform! We are looking forward to bringing this event to the Cedar Valley again this year and for many years to come. It is so wonderful to coordinate with the Jesse Cosby Community Collective and to share this experience with student musicians!"

Debra Hodges Harmon, executive director of the Jesse Cosby Center, commented, "The Jesse Cosby Collective Choir is excited to again be a part of such an amazing opportunity and collaboration. The experience of sharing such beautiful songs and music with our friends from Bel Canto Cedar Valley and the Waverly-Shell Rock students continues to be humble and honorable. We are proud to showcase the gifts and talents of our many church gospel singers, who have graciously volunteered to give an outstanding performance for Songs of the Season."

Greg Wessel, director of vocal music at Waverly-Shell Rock High School added, "We are so honored to be a part of this musical event in the Cedar Valley. Being able to sing with other ensembles of all ages is so beneficial for our high school students. Realizing that you have many opportunities to use your voice after you leave high school is so important. My hope is that my students continue to sing throughout their lives and experience the joy that music has to offer. Being a part of this community event reinforces this idea, and we look forward to performing with everyone involved with 'Songs of the Season.'"

Tickets are on sale now at gbpac.com.