On Saturday, December 21, COCA will present Joyful, a festive vocal concert featuring COCA’s Allegro Vocal Company, with opening pieces performed by The St. Louis Children’s Choirs (SLCC). The program will feature a vibrant mix of holiday classics and contemporary favorites, setting the perfect tone for the season.
This exciting collaboration grew from a shared commitment to providing exceptional musical experiences for young singers. These partnerships help students with opportunities to grow artistically and gain new perspectives.
“Expanding COCA’s partnerships into the music department is an exciting development, and I am thrilled to work with such a respected and nationally recognized organization as The St. Louis Children’s Choirs,” said Dr. Philip A. Woodmore, Artistic Director of Voice & Camps at COCA.
“From the first moment that I walked into the COCA building, I could tell that something special was going on within its walls. COCA has been a staple for arts education in the St. Louis area, and it is such an honor for The St. Louis Children’s Choirs to have a presence there,” said Dr. Alyson Moore.
Dr. Moore moved to St. Louis in the summer of 2023 to become the fourth Artistic Director of SLCC, bringing with her a rich background in music education from both the East and West Coasts. She is excited to be part of the vibrant St. Louis arts scene and lead an organization with almost 400 members across six choirs.
SLCC has found a welcoming home at COCA, using its spaces for rehearsals to provide a more accessible location for its members. Dr. Moore hopes that their students are not only inspired by COCA’s facilities but also by the collaborative spirit fostered through performances like Joyful.
“Artistic growth often comes through cross-artistic experiences. I hope that the students of The St. Louis Children’s Choirs will be inspired by the art they see all around them at COCA—visual art, dance, and music of every genre. I hope they will try different artistic expressions so that they can explore the heart of who they are as artists,” said Dr. Moore.
SLCC will open Joyful with performances from the “Chorale” group, directed by Dr. Alicia Vorel, and the “Choristers,” directed by Donna Solverud.
“Because we explore a variety of genres of music through our choral music program, our selections at Joyful reflect our study of classical, musical theatre, and standard choral literature,” said Dr. Moore.
The collaboration between Allegro Vocal Company and SLCC is an incredible step in building community in the artistic space within St. Louis.
“Our Joyful concert is the beginning of a great relationship with The St. Louis Children’s Choirs. It provides an opportunity for students and audiences to hear The St. Louis Children’s Choirs sing and also experience the magic of COCA,” said Dr. Woodmore.
In addition to Joyful, stay after the show for a holiday celebration with cookies and hot chocolate. We’ll celebrate Allegro Vocal Company and an incredible year of opportunity and collaboration.
