The Kentucky Youth Chorale, featuring 35 singers ages 8 to 16, will perform its annual Christmas concert, “Sounds of the Season,” on December 17 at St. Stephen Cathedral.
The concert, which begins at 6 p.m., is free to the public, though donations are accepted to support the choir’s programming, including scholarships, sheet music, and travel expenses.
“This concert has become a community favorite,” said Madison Wells, director of the Kentucky Youth Chorale. “There’s nothing better than children’s voices at Christmas time, and St. Stephen’s is a beautiful space both visually and acoustically.”
The 30-minute performance will feature eight pieces, including holiday classics such as “The First Noel” and “Ding Dong Merrily on High,” as well as John Rutter’s “Angels’ Carol.” Wells said audiences can also expect other festive selections that may be less familiar but equally enjoyable.
Founded in 2008 by Julie White, the Kentucky Youth Chorale offers students from Owensboro and surrounding areas an opportunity to perform and travel to festivals and events. Wells said members come from various educational backgrounds, including public, private, and homeschool systems, and some families even travel from Indiana to participate.
Wells is a Kentucky Wesleyan College graduate and began her journey with the chorale in 2012 as an intern. She became director in 2017 after serving as an assistant under White.
“Any time someone donates during a concert, it goes toward keeping our kids singing,” Wells said. “This year, we’re also raising funds to help some of our singers attend the Queen City Festival in Cincinnati in the summer of 2025.”
In addition to the Christmas concert, the chorale hosts various events throughout the year, including a recent “Pasta and Pops” fall concert and an upcoming spring concert, “Bluegrass and Barbecue,” featuring traditional Kentucky music.
Wells added that the Chorale will host auditions in January to attract new members.
For more information, visit the Kentucky Youth Chorale’s website here.
