The Golden Gate Grange came alive with the enchanting sounds of the Peak to Peak Chorale on December 1, 2023, as they presented the first of their two-part holiday music performance, titled “A Holiday Mountain Celebration in Song.” Located at 25201 Golden Gate Canyon Road, Golden, the performance was a testament to the chorale’s dedication to sharing the joy of music within the community.

The Peak to Peak Chorale, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, boasts a lineup of 18 talented individuals, including 14 women and 4 men. The choir, directed by the dynamic duo of Patrice LeBlanc and Tertia Cain, showcased ten meticulously rehearsed songs, a testament to the hard work put in since September.

The concert opened with the vibrant “Baroque Christmas Festival Medley,” arranged by Audrey Snyder, which filled the room with familiar tunes of Christmas joy. The sopranos dazzled the audience with their impressive high notes, setting the tone for an evening of musical excellence.

During the rendition of “African Noel,” a tambourine and drum were skillfully employed, infusing the performance with a tropical energy that resonated with the audience. The choir’s rendition of “We Three Kings” ended on a crisp, exuberant note, leaving the audience in awe.

One of the highlights of the evening was “Mary, Did You Know?” by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene, arranged by Tom Fettke. The haunting melody, accompanied by a contemplative piano, showcased the chorale’s ability to deliver a powerful and emotional performance.

Tertia Cain, one of the chorale’s directors, shared a lighthearted moment with the audience, recounting her move to Black Hawk in 2020 and the serendipitous discovery of the chorale’s search for a music director on Facebook. The crowd chuckled at her remark, “We missed breathing on each other,” referring to COVID’s long standing restrictions.

Misty Ebers and Lise Friisbaastad took center stage during “Angels from the Realm of Glory,” enchanting the audience with their flute performance. The cello and keys danced harmoniously in “Enniscorthy” or “Wexford Carol,” evoking the spirit of the Irish.

A poignant moment came with the performance of “Winter Has Come,” featuring a sharp flute and a slow, sad falsetto. The audience was captivated by the emotive rendition, a testament to the chorale’s ability to convey a range of emotions through their music.

The show’s pinnacle was a piece written and composed by Patrice LeBlanc and Ed Schoenradt, beautifully directed by LeBlanc. The heartfelt performance left a lasting impression, with the high sopranos finishing with a fermata chorus that echoed through the Grange.

The evening concluded with the timeless “The Christmas Song,” featuring the iconic lyrics, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire.” Chip Smith’s solo elegantly captured the spirit of the season, bringing the performance to a close with crisp pauses and harmonious hums.

After the concert, attendees were treated to homemade desserts and fruit, providing a delightful opportunity for locals to mingle and share in the festive spirit. The Peak to Peak Chorale’s second performance took place on Sunday, December 3, at 3 p.m. at the Coal Creek Canyon Community Center, promising another afternoon of musical enchantment and holiday joy.

For those interested in joining the chorale or supporting their future programs, inquiries can be directed to the President, Lise Friisbaastad, at Lisefriis12@gmail.com.