The Borealis Chorale & Orchestra once again brings magic and light to the winter holiday season! Over 75 talented Cook County singers and musicians continue the treasured community tradition, under the directorship of composer/conductor William Beckstrand.

With the theme “Songs of the Season,” this year’s offerings include Beckstrand’s “People Look East” and “Grace on Grace,” John Rutter’s “Donkey Carol,” and Daniel Pinkham’s “Christmas Cantata” accompanied by the brass ensemble. Gifted local soloists, both youth and adult, add a special delight to the evening.

From the early days of Cook County’s Symphonium Music Club in the 1950s to today’s Borealis Chorale & Orchestra (BCO), hundreds of talented and devoted community members have kept the art of choral music alive in Cook County.

Since 2013, an affiliation with the nonprofit North Shore Music Association has helped the BCO expand opportunities for community participation in choral and orchestral music. 

Truly a community-sustained group, the BCO is largely funded by donations from Cook County residents and visitors. These contributions allow the group’s director to purchase music and, at times, pay visiting musicians to fill in gaps. Giving to the BCO means helping to ensure that this beloved tradition can continue. Donations made to the BCO via the North Shore Music Association are tax deductible. 

This year’s concert is funded in part by the Cook County Community Fund, an affiliate of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation. NSMA and BCO are grateful for this support.

There is no charge, but donations to the Borealis Chorale & Orchestra are greatly appreciated. The concert will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church for two nights on Dec. 9 and Dec. 10, at 7 p.m.