Lunenburg Chamber looks to put on 150-member choir concert
Published 4:43 pm Thursday, May 5, 2016
The Lunenburg County Chamber of Commerce hopes to put on a 150-person Christmas concert that will feature representatives from all of the county’s churches.
The chamber made the decision at its Thursday membership meeting at Mildred’s restaurant in Kenbridge.
Mel Payne, the chamber’s president, called the proposal “one of the biggest events we will do this year.”
“I think this would be one of the most exciting and fun things to happen in this county in a long time,” he added.
Liz Hamlett, Nancy Pennington and Reginald Davis will direct, write and produce the concert, he said, noting, “You can’t go wrong with that talent.”
Chamber Vice President Robert Ledbetter said just when the performance takes place will have to be decided later so that the chamber can avoid competing with other local holiday events. It has also not been decided whether there will be a charge at the concert or if it will be free with donations accepted, or
what any proceeds would go toward.
The performance will be at Center High School. Payne said he capped the number of performers at 150 because that is about the maximum number of people the stage can support.
The chamber will advertise for singers and provide sheet music for them, Payne said.
“I’d like to have 150 — now if we can’t get but 60, so be it,” Payne said. “But I can’t see why we can’t get 150.”
Del. Tommy Wright Jr. asked that the community be able to back out if it doesn’t look like the effort will work out, but Payne is optimistic.
“We’ve got the time; we’ve got the people,” Payne said. “I know if it’s done (properly) there is no reason we can’t see 150 voices to put on a Christmas concert together.”