Sequim Community Christmas Chorus
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 30, Dec. 1; 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2
Where: Sequim Seventh-day Adventist Church, 30 Sanford Lane, Sequim
Tickets: $5, available at Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce, Bauer Interior Design and at door; free to children 12 and younger
Sequim’s dedicated Christmas chorus ushers in the seasonal cheer with its upcoming 34th program.
The Sequim Community Christmas Chorus performs holiday classics at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at the Sequim Seventh-day Adventist Church, 30 Sanford Lane.
Following the move of long-time director Gary McRoberts, award-winning singer and conductor Louise Pluymen steps in to lead 65 singers.
Pluymen said the chorus is one way to continue conducting locally while exercising her musical muscle by bringing together an array of singers.
“It’s not about how good the choir is — it’s how enthusiastic they are,” Pluymen said.
Kyra Humphrey, a University of Washington classmate of Pluymen and Christmas Chorus singer, knew the director recently moved here and asked if she’d consider applying.
“Losing Gary was hard on the group,” Humphrey said.
But Pluymen nurtures every singer and she shares her love of music with them, Humphrey said.
Pluymen’s career began as a soprano soloist with multiple outfits, including the Seattle Symphony, Dallas Symphony and Florida Philharmonic. She said a thyroid problem pushing on her vocal chords at age 45 led her to go back to conservatory at the Conservatory Maastricht in the Netherlands to pursue a degree in conducting.
Pluymen continued conducting choruses leading to many accolades until 2016 when she moved to Sequim to be near siblings. Her husband Rob splits time between the Netherlands and Sequim, she said.
Program
For its 34th year, the chorus features a number of Christmas favorites, such as the “Hallelujah Chorus” and “Peace, Peace.”
Pluymen said one of the highlights is a tribute to the 200th anniversary of “Silent Night” with soloist Wes Funkhouser. Audience members will be able to join in with him, she said, and a few other surprise classics.
Another highlight is 10-year-old soprano soloist Ava Peterson singing on a few songs, including “Gesu Bambino,” “Ding Dong Merrily on High” and “Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella.”
Pianist Kayla Layer returns to accompany the chorus along with John Zuerner playing oboe on several songs.
With its all-inclusive mentality, Pluymen said they continue to seek more male voices to join next year, too.
Advance purchase tickets are available for $5 at the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce and Bauer Interior Design. Tickets also available at the door for a suggested $5 donation. Children under 12 are free.
Proceeds benefit the Sequim Community Orchestra’s Kids’ Strings Program; last year’s show raised $1,500 for the program.
For more information about the chorus, contact Gail Sumpter at gail@gailsumpter.com or visit www.facebook.com/SequimCommunityChristmasChorus.
Louise Pluymen takes over as the new director of the Sequim Community Christmas Chorus following a move of long-time director Gary McRoberts. Pluymen says she appreciates everyone’s enthusiasm from all skill levels. Sequim Gazette photos by Matthew Nash
After leading choruses in the Netherlands, Louise Pluymen now directs the Sequim Community Christmas Chorus after living here about two years. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash
This year, the Sequim Community Christmas Chorus presents a celebration of the 200th anniversary of “Silent Night.” Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash
Kyra Humphrey, center, helped recruit the Sequim Community Christmas Chorus’ new director Louise Pluymen following the move of long-time director Gary McRoberts. Humphrey said she and Pluymen went to college together and that she’ll help nurture each singer. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash
Pianist Kayla Layer accompanies the Sequim Community Christmas Chorus this year. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash
