Leavenworth Village Voices to hold benefit concert for Cascade choir program

LEAVENWORTH—The Leavenworth Village Voices community choir is poised to start its 42nd season of the "Christmas in the Mountains" concert series. 

This year the choir will hold a concert to benefit Cascade School District's choir program, has a new accompanist and is looking for new members, LVV President Allison Bergstrom said.

Each year, the choir holds a benefit concert to raise money for a local cause. This year, LVV will hold a benefit concert to support Cascade School District's choir program.

Due to budget issues, the choir program was at risk of being cut. The community stepped in and raised a portion of the funds needed to continue the program. However, there is still more to go to ensure that the program can continue for the entire school year and beyond. 

LVV will partner with the Cascade High School choir for the benefit concert. After expenses, all proceeds will go to support the district's choir program.

Midy Wall, who has directed the choir for several years, will also be the new director of the high school choir. Bergstrom said this will create continuity between the groups. 

LVV will hold rehearsals on Mondays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the New Life Church on US 97 in Peshastin.

The new accompanist Nick Colletto is a keyboardist and music educator from Ellensburg, Washington. He holds a music composition degree from Central Washington University and has accompanied various school choral programs and church services. Colletto has experience in jazz big bands and musical theater and is currently completing a Master's in Piano Pedagogy on scholarship.

"So we're super excited to have him with us," Bergstrom said.

The choir, known for its Christmas performances, has been working to create more awareness about the choir and to attract more members.

"I think since COVID, we've really been sort of rebuilding," Bergstrom said. "Before COVID, we had 40 members, and we had about 20 last year. And so we have been trying a lot of new things to get our name out there. Let people know we have this community choir, and it's just a great way for people who love music and love to sing to gather and do it in sort of a low-stress way."

The group held several events this summer to help people learn more about it. Anyone who wants to see if the group is a fit can attend the first rehearsal on Monday, August 19, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the New Life Church in Peshastin.

Bergstrom said the group is a low-stress, non-audition choir. 

"So if someone is willing to just commit to coming to rehearsals and can make our performances, which are primarily in December, then they're welcome," she said. "I mean, it's really just a place where everyone is welcome, and we just want to share the joy of music and, especially at the holiday season with locals and visitors alike. 

"So if that is of interest to you, and it's just a great way to meet new people and make friends as well, then we are a group for you," she said.

LVV has three formal concerts scheduled for the 2024 season. However the group also performs in more casual settings like caroling downtown, for retirement homes, bus tours and more.

On Sunday, December 15 at 2 p.m. LVV will perform their most traditional concert with guest artist Bavarian Brass at Leavenworth's Icicle Creek Center for the Arts, Snowy Owl Theater. Tickets will be available via the box office.

On Thursday, December 19, at 7 p.m., at Cascade High School in Leavenworth, LVV will hold a benefit concert for the Cascade School District's choir programs.  The Cascade High School Choir and Bavarian Brass will join LVV as guest performers. Tickets will be available on the LVV website and at the door.

On Sunday, December 22, at 7:30 p.m., LVV will perform a joint concert with indie-pop group BOSAYA at the Numerica Performing Arts Center in Wenatchee. Tickets will be available at the box office.

For more information about the Leavenworth Village Voices choir visit, leavenworthvillagevoices.org.

Quinn Propst: 509-731-3590 or quinn@ward.media.