Sheepscot Valley Chorus celebrates its 36th season with their Christmas concert Sunday, December 4th, at 3:00 p.m., at Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church. Featured on the program is the Respighi’s “Laud to the Nativity,” accompanied by Sean Fleming on organ, and featuring soprano Mary Sullivan, mezzo-soprano Jazmin DeRice, and tenor Timothy Neill Johnson. In 1930, Ottorino Respighi composed “Lauda per la Natività del Signore”, the only sacred choral piece among his works. In this song of praise to the miracle of Christmas majestic sounding choral passages alternate with the soloistic roles of Maria, the Angel and the shepherd, accompanied by the sound of pastoral instruments. The music is varied, containing stylistic elements ranging from the late romantic to neo-baroque, as well as echoes of Gregorian chant. The second half of the concert will feature one of Bruckner’s beautiful Ave Maria settings, two carols by Sir Arthur Sullivan of Gilbert and Sullivan fame, an arrangement of the traditional French carol “Quittez, Pasteurs” by John Rutter, and other Christmas hits. Sheepscot Chorus is lead by director Linda Blanchard and accompanist Sean Fleming, both of Damariscotta. Tickets may be purchased at Maine Coast Book Shop, Sherman’s Books, Treats, and at the door. Tickets are $15 for adults and free to students. For more information, please visit our website at sheepscotvalleychorus.org.