From 'Grinch' to 'Frozen,' NC Master Chorale offers first holiday concert designed just for families

Founded in 1942, according to its website, the Chorale features a 170-voice symphonic chorus and a 22-voice professional chamber choir. Michelle Hile, the group's executive director, tells me that this is the first time the group has offered a specific performance just for families, though some bring kids to the group's Joy of the Season concert, which is slated for Tuesday, Dec. 11, and offers a longer program with more classical selections.

"Families have enjoyed the program in the past, with the caveat that it’s a rather late evening for school-age children," Hile tells me. "We wanted to offer a program where families with school-age children could experience professionally-performed and produced holiday music, yet not sacrifice needed sleep. With that in mind, we set a 6:30 p.m. start time and planned a one-hour program, built from selections included in our Tuesday evening concert."

Selections also will be very kid friendly with music from "Polar Express," "Home Alone," "Frozen" and "Grinch." The group's 170-voice symphonic chorus, 16-voice chamber choir and 30-piece orchestra all will be featured. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand for greeting and wish list sharing.

"Our music director, Alfred Sturgis, connects very well with audiences, including children, as he originally trained as a school music educator," Hile tells me.

And here's a glimpse of the group performing during a previous Joy of the Season concert.