Update: Dec. 10, 2025: Due to emergency illness, the Community Christmas Chorus concerts scheduled for Dec. 12, 13 and 14 are postponed. Organizers plan to reschedule in January 2026, according to an updated news release.

Initial press release

The Community Christmas Chorus (formerly the Living Christmas Tree) will present this year’s cantata, “Canticles in Candlelight” by Joseph M. Martin at the Thomaston Baptist Church, 212 Main Street in Thomaston. The cantata features music, readings and candle lighting.

There will be 3 performances again this year: Friday, Dec. 12, at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13, at 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m.

Admission is free, but donations are appreciated to help defray expenses. 

The Living Christmas Tree concerts have a long history of telling the story of the first Christmas, beginning under the direction of Bob Wiley (who was then organist and choir director at the Thomaston Baptist Church). He passed the torch to Rebecca Leonard, who was then choral music teacher at Georges Valley High School and led the Christmas choir for many years. Then Letitia VanVuren took over the baton for a year or two, followed by current director, Jo Anne Parker, who returns for her third year. Parker is also director of the Midcoast Community Band, has served as organist and choir director at both the Thomaston Federated Church and the Friendship United Methodist Church, as well as filling in at various midcoast churches. Parker has also started several small “living room ensembles” over the years, and teaches private lessons in piano and voice. 

Accompanist this year is Bernice Stanley, retired music teacher and current organist/pianist at the Thomaston Baptist Church. There will also be a 5-piece wind ensemble: Lauren Siebert, flute; Paula Williamson, bassoon; Mitch Kihn, clarinet; Bruce Cole, trumpet; and Margot Bridgett, trombone. Soloists are Ashley Corbett and Jill Simmons. Narrators are Liga Jahnke, Susan Boland Wilcox and Barbara Whitten.

The chorus is made up of singers from all over the midcoast area, and have been in rehearsal since early October. For further information, contact Jo Anne Parker at 372-6737 or knitmusic@roadrunner.com.