Choir Performs with Symphony

Josh Conrad
12.18.07

The “Christmas with the Symphony” production has been an Omaha tradition for years. The sights and sounds of this holiday extravaganza have been a sign of the start of the holiday season.

Beginning with last year’s concert, a new addition graced the stage at the Holland Performing Arts Center. The PLS Concert Choir was the only school choir invited to be a part of this holiday tradition.

The choir’s connection to the Omaha Symphony began after symphony directors were impressed by discipline and manners displayed by the choir after the Choral Collaborative, an opera concert involving several high school choirs and put on by Opera Omaha and the Omaha Symphony. The choir was then asked to participate in the second act of the symphony’s Christmas concert.

Choir director Cheri Helmer-Riensche saw the importance of the opportunity the choir had received.

“It is an honor for all of us,” Helmer-Riensche said. “It’s wonderful for the choir to represent PLS and for high school students to perform with professional musicians.”

Choir members also recognized how much of an honor it was to participate.

“It’s cool to be able to sing with the symphony,” junior Katie Sorys said. “Especially knowing that others don’t get this chance.”

After singing two songs and participating in only the second act last year, the choir sang four songs this year and participated in the opening procession, as well as the sing-along at the end of the concert.

Choir members began rehearsing the music for this year’s concert right after their performance at the Choral Collaborative, giving them three weeks to be prepared to rehearse with the entire cast of the production at the Holland Performing Arts Center. The strenuous rehearsal schedule prepared students for four performances in mid-December.

First-year choir member junior Blare Fritz enjoyed participating in the concert, despite not being familiar with the tradition.

“It’s a fun new experience,” Fritz said. “Its different from what I’m used to.”

Helmer-Riensche was also able to reflect on the concert after all the hard work she had put in.

“My favorite part is seeing our singers rise to the expectations set for them and to see the pride and excitement on their faces after the performance,” Helmer-Riensche said.

photo by Blythe Butcher