The Santa Ynez Valley Chorale, featuring music director Hyejin Jung, will present its holiday concert Christmas Bells in the Valley, 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 at Santa Ynez Valley High School, 2975 Mission Drive, Solvang.

Tickets are $20, available on www.syvchorale.org, through chorale members, at the Book Loft in Solvang, or at the door.

“For this season’s program, Jung rediscovered ‘The Bells of Santa Ynez’ by Paul Weston,” organizers said. “It is a well-loved work that was inspired during Weston’s first visit here, and it boasts more than 60 years of history in the Santa Ynez Valley.

“The night all the church bells rang marked the ninth time that the full musical work with all 14 numbers was performed in Solvang during its traditional Danish Days celebration. It is the inspiration for the program’s Christmas Bells concert theme.

“It’s a special piece with memories shared by several longtime Chorale members; some of whom sang on the recording and performed it live here decades ago.”
“The refrain, “These are the bells that welcome wanderers, telling wanderers here you’ll stay,” captures the spirit of warmth and hospitality that resonates deeply with Jung’s experience of the Valley, as well as that of our ensemble, and many others who live and visit here,” organizers said.
For the concert, the chorale will present six selections from Weston’s cantata, as well as seasonal favorites such as “Jingle Bells” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Highlighting the concert will be the handbell ensemble, Mellifluous Dulcet Quartet.
The concert’s final piece is “Hine Ma Tov,” a Jewish traditional song that celebrates harmony. Its Hebrew lyrics translate to: “Now we all gather together in joyful celebration.”

“The Santa Ynez Valley Chorale is excited to bring you this unique concert that will resonate with our local residents, accompanied by the beautiful sound of hand bells, a joyful and inspirational program for the entire community.  Please start your holiday season by celebrating with us,” said Richard Lane, chorale president.

The Santa Ynez Valley Chorale is a nonprofit organization that has provided choral music to the Santa Ynez Valley for 40 years.