St. Anthony of New Bedford Offering Two Music Programs in December

St. Anthony of Padua Church in New Bedford's North End is presenting two Christmas-related sacred music performances in December.

One will feature the Polyphony Choir of Magdalen College of New Hampshire on December 11. The Spirit of St. Anthony Choir will then present its annual Christmas Concert on December 17.

Music Coordinator Gisele Pappas joined Townsquare Sunday to talk about the performances and the spectacular setting where they will be held.

Pappas said this is the 19th year of music programs at St. Anthony's, with a couple of years off because of COVID. The programs are free and open to the public, but a goodwill donation is encouraged for continued restoration of the church's historic pipe organ.

"It's 111 years old," Pappas said. "The organ has very old working parts, and it's played every Sunday, it's played for funerals and weddings, so the parts keep working but they get worn down and sometimes need replacing."

The Magdalen College Choir will perform at St. Anthony's on December 11 at 6:30 p.m.  It is part of the choir's "What Sweeter Music" tour in churches across New England.

"The 22-voice ensemble will take us on a musical journey," Pappas said. "The choir will present a festive concert of sacred music for Advent through the Nativity."

The Spirit of St. Anthony Choir will present its annual Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 17 at 3 p.m. The choir itself is made up of parishioners from St. Anthony, as well as members of other churches in the area. The program on the 17th will feature choir performances, organists and outside singers.

Pappas said the concert will serve as a tribute to David Langevin, the organist who helped launch the music series at St. Anthony, and who was lost to COVID earlier this year. 

Free parking and shuttle service for the St. Anthony Christmas Concert will be provided at the St. Killian's parking lot at Ashley Boulevard and Earle Street.

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