MANCHESTER, NH – The Manchester Choral Society (MCS) presents a festive winter concert series featuring Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concert, alongside a heartwarming selection of Holiday Family Pops. The concerts are scheduled for December 13th at 7 PM and December 14th at 3 PM at Manchester Memorial High School, 1 Crusader Way, Manchester, NH.
Conducted by music director Dan Perkins, MCS will be joined by The Backbeat Big Band, whose 20 players are among the finest jazz musicians in the Boston area, and Boston-based soprano Kay Patterson. Manchester Memorial High School’s Jazz Ensemble and Chamber Choir will also be featured.
Spirituality has always been important in Duke Ellington’s music, but it wasn’t until 1965 that he found the right opportunity to find direct musical expression for it. That year, he was commissioned to perform a sacred concert at the dedication ceremony of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. This resulted in the first of three Sacred Concerts. In each, Ellington collaborated with his own orchestra and with singers and choirs from the respective churches, creating a fusion of the swinging rhythms of jazz and European church music that was unique at the time.
In addition, MCS is proud to announce its annual caroling event at the Currier Museum in Manchester on December 6th at 12 PM. This will offer a sneak peek of the musical warmth awaiting at our winter concerts.
Tickets for the December 13th and 14th concerts are available for purchase at the door of the Manchester Memorial High School and can also be purchased online at MCSNH.ORG, or by phone at 603-472-6627.
Don’t miss this chance to revel in the musical celebrations of the season with the Manchester Choral Society!
About the Manchester Choral Society:
Founded in 1961, the Manchester Choral Society has been a beacon of choral excellence in Manchester, NH. Committed to fostering community through music, MCS brings diverse, high-quality choral music to audiences in the region and provides educational outreach to enrich the cultural community of New Hampshire.
Event Details at a Glance:
Winter Concerts featuring Sacred Concert by Duke Ellington and Holiday Family Pops
Dates: December 13, 2025, at 7 PM | December 14, 2025, at 3 PM
Location: Manchester Memorial High School, 1 Crusader Way, Manchester, NH
Tickets: Available at the door or via MCSNH.ORG | Phone: 603-472-6627
Caroling at the Currier Museum
Date: December 6, 2025, at 12 PM
Location: Currier Museum, Manchester, NH