A Note from the Music Director on our New Home

Dear friends,

For forty-four years, the Bristol County Chorus has been proud to be a part of Bristol’s Christmas traditions. We’ve become an annual holiday experience for many in town, and we are so grateful to the many who have continued to support our choir over the years. And while we hope to continue bringing the greater community this musical offering every year, we are, this year, being pushed into a new location. For those same forty-four years, the BCC has gratefully performed at St. Mary’s Church on Wood St. For our forty-fifth year, we will no longer be able to do that.

Earlier this year, we received a letter from the pastor of St. Mary’s, informing us we were no longer allowed to present our Christmas concert in the church. This, frankly, came as quite a surprise to all of us on the board. However, we respect Fr. Zinno’s decision for his parish, and we are sincerely thankful that we were able to bring community and joyful Christmas music to St. Mary’s for nearly fifty years. We would also like to express gratitude to the staff of St. Mary’s who have helped and coordinated with us for many years.

Based on available locations, acoustics, and size of audience, we were left with very few choices within the town of Bristol. St. Mary’s was uniquely suited to the type of orchestral forces we annually perform with. I and the board worked together to survey the potential spaces, extending our search outside of the town of Bristol - we are, after all, the Bristol County Chorus. We were able to reach a very pleasant and amicable agreement with St. Mary’s of the Bay in Warren, and we are so excited to bring our tradition to their community.

Please join us! We aren’t going far. And what’re the holidays without a little bit of travel, a little bit of visiting family elsewhere, and even a little bit of adaptation as years go by? Home is something you make, out of love and shared experience. In that spirit, our concert this year is called “Home for the Holidays,” featuring music with themes of home, family, and nostalgia. More information and details will be out soon, but mark your calendars for Sunday, December 7, at 3:00 PM. We’ll see you there - with bells on!

With appreciation,

Nick Rocha

Music Director

Bristol County Chorus - New Members Wecome for 2025!

The Bristol County Chorus is inviting new members to sing with them. The chorus is preparing for its 44th anual Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 3pm at St. Mary of the Bay Church, 645 Main St. Warren

The non-auditioned community chorus was first organized by Joan Rotha nd is now under the leadership of Nicholas Rocha. Based in Bristol, the chorus performs a broad range of classical and contemporary repertoire and is an opportunity for singers who are simply passionate about making music with friends.

Members come from diverse backgrounds but all share a commitment to keeping the arts alive. The annual Christmas concert is accompanied each year by a professional orchestra and this year's program, "Home For the Holidays," will include "Carols of Joy and Hope," "Thou Who Wast Rich," "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem" and other favorite festive Christmas music.

Interested singers are invited to a meet and greet at 6:30 pm on Monday, Sept 8, at the First Congregational Church, 300 High St., Bristol, followed by an informational meeting and open rehearsal.

Subsequent meetings will be on Mondays from 7 to 9 pm at the same location with open rehearsals continuing on Sept. 15th and 22. Nominal ability to read music always helps, but a good ear and a desire to learn are more important. The chorus is in need of bases and tenors. Dues are $50. See you soon!

TO JOIN, ENTER YOUR INFORMATION HERE

Land & Sky: A Night to Remember

What an incredible spring concert series! Our recent Land & Sky concerts were a beautiful reminder of the power of music to bring people together. With a full house and an enthusiastic audience, we filled the space with harmony, energy, and community spirit.

Spring Concert 2025

“The earth has music for those who listen.” – Reginald Vincent Holmes

This year's theme, Land & Sky, invited us to reflect on the deep, timeless connection we share with the natural world. Humans have always had a deep connection to the Earth. It brings harvest, shelter, prosperity, and hope. It is omnipresent in every stage of our lives. We make mud pies as children, carve hearts into trees in our teens, drink in the scents of the seasons as adults, and lay our loved ones to rest in later years. It is an Old Friend, always there with us, binding us all together in this experience of Life. We hope our program reminded you of that connection and cherished memories of Land and Sky.

Our diverse program featured something for everyone, from moving American Folk to uplifting classics, including:

California Dreamin’  • Shenandoah  • Skyfall  • I Want to Be the Sun  • Heart of Earth • Bright Morning Stars  •  Fly  • Touch the Sky (from Brave) • In Time of Silver Rain  • Come Travel With Me  • Riversong • Ain’t No Mountain High Enough

“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.” – William Shakespeare

We were also honored to present our Joan Roth Scholarships to this year’s deserving recipients: Eliza White and Christina Mariano. These scholarships are awarded in memory of Joan Roth, the founder of the Bristol County Chorus and a beloved advocate for music education. We continue her legacy by recognizing students who embody her dedication and love for community music.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing director and accompanist, Nick Rocha, for leading us with vision and heart, and to all the volunteers & sponsors who helped make the night possible.

We hope a good time was had by all—and we can't wait to see you next year with a brand-new theme and the same singing spirit. Until then, may the music of Land and Sky stay with you.