Paly choir held its annual outdoor holiday concert on Saturday, Nov. 28, and brought the holiday weekend to a close on a windy afternoon in front of a spirited crowd at the Stanford mall.
The Spectrum, Madrigal, and Women’s choirs all sang at the annual holiday concert, which was led by choir teacher and director Michael Najar and drew a large crowd. The Madrigal singers donned period Tudor costumes, enhancing the music they sang while greatly adding to the performance atmosphere.
Choir member and senior Camille Smura welcomed the audience in place of Choir President Shameem Jamil, who could not make it to the event. Smura was introduced by Najar as “one of the longest standing choir members.”
“We want to celebrate you and great music,” Najar said to the audience.
As a concert tradition, Najar invited Paly choir alumni to join their former choirs as they each performed. Alumni from the 1980s to the 2000s were present at the performance.
The songs included holiday favorites such as “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night,” which closed the show. The singers performed most of the holiday classics alongside the alumni who joined the choirs on stage.
Offstage, the choir participants’ enthusiasm was evident as they visited the former members.
“Being in choir is like being part of a small community within Paly,” junior Julia Edholm said. “A huge part of choral music is a connection within the choir. Everyone blends together and feels the music as a whole. This musical connection has turned the choir into a big family.”
Najar had similar sentiments and voiced his appreciation for alumni dedication to the program they once took part in.
“My favorite part of the concert is seeing the alumni,” Najar said. “I wouldn’t do it if they didn’t come. They are the reason, and to see how they are and what they are up to.”
The concert not only celebrated the holidays, but also the longevity and achievements of the Paly choir program, according to Najar.
The Paly choir has been fortunate enough to have only three concert directors in its history: Margery Klein, Cathy Fujikauwa, and Michael Najar. Najar said that the consistency exemplifies the strength and dedication of the program. Additionally, though not all members were present at the event, the concert choir currently has an impressive 70 members.
Najar said that the women’s choir was awarded Best Female Group at the Heritage Festival, and was invited to the California Golden State Invitational Festival on May 18.
The Paly choirs will go to Prague, Vienna, and Budapest this summer on an international tour.
“I look forward to great music this year,” Najar said. “Trips are great, but it is all about the music. We have a talented group, and they are able to sing songs at a high college level.”
The Madrigals will host their annual fundraiser dinner from Dec. 11-13. For more information, visit the choir’s Web site.
Editor’s note: The original version of the story incorrectly stated that the choir wore Renaissance costumes. They are Tudor. The current version of the story reflects the change.