Published in the December 1, 2017 edition
IRCC welcomes new Artistic Director Johnny Nichols Jr. who will conduct the group’s holiday concert this weekend. (Courtesy Photo)
NORTH READING — The Ipswich River Community Chorus, formerly the North Reading Community Chorale, will present its holiday concert, “The Many Moods of Christmas,” on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 3, at 4 p.m., at the Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 235 Park Street (Rte. 62) in North Reading.
The first half will of the concert will feature “O, Holy Night,” “Believe,” “Hannukah Flame,” “Baby Born in Bethlehem” and more holiday favorites. Following intermission during which refreshments will be served, the second half of the concert will be devoted to Robert Shaw’s suite, “The Many Moods of Christmas,” along with an encore of “Hallelujah, a Soulful Celebration,” which is sure to have the audience on their feet and filled with holiday spirit.
Tickets are available at the door. General admission: $20; seniors: $15; and children can attend at no cost. To reserve tickets send an email to: tickets@northreadingchorale.org or call: 978-664-1800.
New Artistic Director
There have been many exciting changes for the chorus during the past year. In addition to the name change selected to better reflect many communities from which the chorus members reside, the Ipswich River Community Chorus (IRCC) has welcomed a new Artistic Director, Johnny Nichols Jr.
Johnny is a native of Louisiana, holds a bachelor of music degree in Vocal Performance and a master of music degree in Choral Conducting.
In addition to his role as Artistic Director, Johnny is the middle school Choral Director for the Winchester Public Schools, and is Director of Choral Ministries at the First Congregational Church in Norwood. His performance career includes performing both chorus and supporting roles with Opera in the Heights, the Houston Ebony Opera Guild, and three years touring with The Glenn Draper Singers and The Lake Junaluska Singers.
His experience in musicals includes playing Billy Flynn in “Chicago,” Tom Collins in “Rent,” The Chairman in “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” Bobby in “Cabaret,” and a host of roles in “The Pirates of Penzance,” “Hello Dolly,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” “Urinetown,” “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Godspell.”
As a soloist, Johnny has performed classical works by Mozart, Vivaldi, Handel, and Mendelssohn at venues including The White House and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. He has played for Presidents Obama, Clinton and both Bushes. His extensive performing career includes directing popular musicals, “The Pajama Game,” “Urinetown,” “The Music Man,” and “Shout!”
Additionally, his numerous conducting credentials include Handel’s “Messiah” and his resume also features choreography and stage direction. The IRCC is excited to be studying under his tutelage and looks forward to having the community welcome Nichols during their annual holiday performance to ring in the joy of the season.
