PEAK TO PEAK — The Peak to Peak Chorale started their Christmas season concert series at the Gilpin County Public Library on December 6. The one-hour concert, titled "Searching for the Light: A Journey of Hope," was dedicated to those impacted by the Caribou Village fire.

Under the direction of Wendy Wheaton, who was also the pianist, the concert was a mix of singing and poetry highlighting the journey that humankind has undertaken throughout history to find meaning in their lives.

Consisting of four parts (The Processional, The Dark, The Work, and The Dawn), the concert shifted between song and poetry to capture the bleakness of winter and the enduring hope of a new day. Starting with “A Light of Hope, A Song of Peace” and ending with “River in Judea”, the concert featured songs that are not on traditional Christmas programs.

 The poems were also a collection of thoughtful prose that highlighted the journey of self-discovery from “Wild Geese” read by Linza Douglas to “The Laughing Thrush” read by Alex Berumen-Gonzalez.

Lisa Friisbaastad performed a flute solo with the accompaniment, titled Allegretto. It was a beautiful blend of bright sounds and soaring notes.

The choir has to purchase the music sheets for the pieces that they are going to perform, and the cost is often offset by sponsors.

Cheryl Pilcher sponsored the opening song titled “A Light of Hope, A Song of Peace” and “You Will Be Found.” Kaye Edwards sponsored “Where the Light Begins” in memory of Rob Knowlton. “United in Purpose” was sponsored by Sandy Hollingsworth.

Other sponsors included Molly Niven, Ruth Arnold, Roxy Goss, Frank and Anne Smith, Diane Smith, Ursula Treves, Jan Justice Waddington and several others who chose to remain anonymous.

The Peak to Peak Chorale gave a second performance of “Searching for the Light: A Journey of Hope” at the Coal Creek Canyon Improvement Association on December 7, and will conclude their concert series on December 12 at 7 p.m. at the Golden Gate Grange.

Other events scheduled by the choir at a set of traditional Christmas songs at the Gilpin County Winter Festival on December 13 starting at 10:30 a.m. On Christmas Eve, the choir will be at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Central City to participate in their Christmas Eve service.

The Peak to Peak Chorale began in the fall of 1993 and has given winter and spring concerts through the years. They practice once a month at the Gilpin Library starting in September and end in May with their spring concert.

For more information about joining the group or sponsoring their music, email Berumen-Gonzalez at alexbg8675@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/PeaktoPeakChorale.