The NorthWest Women’s Chorale will present its annual holiday concert “Gloria!” which features Antonio Vivaldi’s most famous choral piece.

Other music on the program includes an orthodox Russian hymn, a piece by Ravel, and a fun arrangement of “Go Tell It on the Mountain.”

As is the chorale’s tradition, the audience will be invited to join in singing Christmas favorites.

Concerts will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 100 Blake Ave. in Sequim, and at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 301 N. Lopez Ave., in Port Angeles.

Director Joy Lingerfelt said she is “thrilled to have four string players, an oboist and hand bells,” along with collaborative pianist, Kristin Quigley-Brye, accompanying the chorale for this program. “All the solos and duets in the ‘Gloria’ are performed by chorale members,” she added.

This is the second time Lingerfelt has directed Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” but the first time directing it with only women’s voices. She said she was excited to be able to visit the church where the composer was baptized while traveling this summer in Venice, Italy.

Vivaldi lived in a unique time, historically, having been born in 1678 in Venice, he was ordained a priest in 1703. He served in an orphanage/hospice for young girls and was tasked with writing music for female voices.

He wrote “Gloria,” which follows a traditional Roman text composed of 12 cantata-like short sections, in 1715.

The joyous and sunny nature of Vivaldi’s “Gloria” gives it immediate and universal appeal. “I absolutely love the ‘Gloria’,” said chorale member, Lynne Westerholm, who has sung with the group since its inception.

“It portrays the whole gamut of feelings we have: light-hearted, cheerful sections and deep, serious sections.”

The chorale will be recording its first CD at the Port Angeles concert.    

Both locations are handicapped accessible. Admission is a suggested donation of $10 at the door.