For award-winning singers, concert for seniors is special
An ensemble of the Hickory Tree Chorus put on a holiday show in mid-December for the senior citizens of the Rexford Tucker Apartments on Chateau Thierry Avenue in Madison that had performers and audience members all smiles. From left are singers Virginia Grieco, Dana Dunlevy, Patricia Smith, Lilas Schmidt, Karen Ayres, Janene DePalo, Rosemarie Gerber, Shayna Atkinson, Rita Peyton and, kneeling, Carolyn Schmidt.
The reception was enthusiastic, and the feeling was mutual
Published: Dec 26th, 7:11 AM
MADISON - An ensemble from the Hickory Tree Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines International delivered a package of holiday tunes and other songs Thursday, Dec. 18, to the residents of Madison’s senior citizen housing located at 15 Chateau Thierry Ave.
In return the chorus received one of the warmest receptions it has experienced this holiday season.
Loretta Carey, a resident of the complex, contacted the champion chorus last summer. She was dismayed to learn that in order to cover chorus expenses, like rehearsal space, the chorus charges a fee for its performances.
“I have no budget. Maybe you could rehearse here,” she offered, adding, “The residents would so appreciate anything you could do.”
At the time, the chorus was busy preparing for its annual show in September and a Sweet Adelines International competition in November, but was touched by Carey’s plea - and decided to donate a holiday performance.
The 60-voice chorus would have overwhelmed the space, so a 10-member ensemble was sent.
Enthusiastic Reception
The residents, some dressed in holiday sweaters or wearing holiday pins, lined up for seating outside the performance room half an hour before the singers were scheduled to begin.
They smiled, cheered and sang-along to holiday favorites like “White Christmas” and “Jingle Bells,” and were game for some new tunes, like “Funky Rudolph.”
“Although some of our quartets are still caroling in area downtowns, this was the last of eight holiday performances for the chorus, and we could not have asked for a more enthusiastic and appreciative audience,” said Hickory Tree Chorus Master Director Carolyn Schmidt.
The residents surprised each singer with a small gift following the performance.
Carey was near tears in thanking the singers as they departed.
“It is difficult for some of our residents to get out,” Carey noted. “It is such a treat to have performers like this come here.”
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