For the second year in a row, the WKU Choirs brought the spirit of its cherished Winterfest tradition beyond Bowling Green, filling a packed Nashville church Sunday night with music, community and holiday warmth. Each year, five of these choirs participate in Winterfest, a holiday performance in Bowling Green that the department’s director of choral activities, Paul Hondorp, described as its “gift to the community.” The event has become a seasonal marker for many Bowling Green residents, Ellen Pardue, senior vocal music major, said. “People say the holidays don’t start until Winterfest is over,” Pardue said. Pardue said that Winterfest is a way for the choral department to show how much they care about this community and to give something back, ringing in the holiday season with friends and family. This year’s Winterfest in Bowling Green will take place Sunday, December 6, at 8 p. m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Each choir will perform individually before alumni join current singers for a combined piece that concludes the program. On Sunday, the choirs extended the tradition beyond Bowling Green, presenting its Winterfest program in Nashville for the second consecutive year. Pardue said the venue was smaller than those typically used at home, but the close setting created a distinct and memorable atmosphere. “There were people sitting and standing along the back wall because we ran out of seats,” Pardue said, “And the house lights were up so I was able to see the impact the music was having on them.” At the end of the performance, Director of Choral Activities Paul Hondorp thanked the audience and emphasized the significance of sharing a piece of the Bowling Green choral community with a wider audience. He expressed hope that the annual Nashville performance will continue. Pardue said presenting Winterfest outside the local community offered a meaningful opportunity to connect with audiences who may be unfamiliar with the program. “I loved being able to share what I’m doing and creating with people outside of campus and Bowling Green,” Pardue said.
https://wkuherald.com/89231/life/arts-culture/wku-choirs-share-winterfest-spirit-in-special-nashville-performance/
