Ring in the holiday season with the West Shore Chorale & Orchestra

On Sunday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m., the West Shore Chorale & Orchestra will present their annual Carols & Choruses of Christmas concert at the Magnificat Center for the Performing Arts. John Drotleff will conduct the 80-member group, which has been performing on the West Side since 1968.

This year, the Chorale will welcome back the Monday Morning Bell Choir from Westlake United Methodist Church, under the direction of Ardith McCloy. The program will feature traditional carols and seasonal pieces from Vivaldi, Handel, Christiansen and others.

A community tradition, Carols & Choruses signals the beginning of the holidays for many Westsiders. "I've had many people come up at the end of this program and tell me that this concert starts the Christmas season for them,” says conductor John Drotleff.  “It's a program of holiday music that features the chorus alone and chorus with a professional orchestra and bells. There's also a wonderful reception afterward that is truly a community gathering.”

Concert tickets are $15 and students of all ages are free. Tickets are also available at the door or may be purchased online at westshorechorale.org or by phone at 216-373-7773. Parking is free and handicap accessible. You can also connect with the Chorale on Facebook and on Twitter @wschorale. Magnificat Center for the Performing Arts is located at 20770 Hilliard Blvd. in Rocky River.