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SLSO, IN UNISON Chorus, Take 6 bring down the house

By Eric Dundon

An annual tradition, the IN UNISON Christmas concert has brought the soul to the holidays for 30 years. On December 13, 2024, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus, and vocal ensemble Take 6 added to the rich history of this tradition.

In front of a full house at the Stifel Theatre, the ensembles presented a variety of holiday tunes, including spirituals, traditional hymns, and gospel takes on the classics. Many songs were re-orchestrated, showcasing the uplifting power of a chorus with orchestra. “The upbeat nature of these versions encapsulated the holiday spirit and filled the audience with joy,” wrote Zaria Mac in her review for the St. Louis American.

The IN UNISON Chorus is unique in the orchestral world. Its mission is to share music from the African diaspora. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the IN UNISON Chorus performs with the SLSO several times each season.

Take 6, a Grammy Award-winning a cappella ensemble, joined the concert for the fourth time, performing hits like “The Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”

Photos by Virginia Harold.

DECEMBER – IN UNISON Chorus members sing in the annual IN UNISON Christmas concert, which presented holiday music from the African diaspora to a full house at Stifel Theatre.
Kevin McBeth, Director of the IN UNISON Chorus since 2011, led the evening.
Take 6 with the SLSO and IN UNISON Chorus.
IN UNISON Chorus alto Mary Moorehead brought the soul to her solo performance.
Festive poinsettias filled the stage at Stifel Theatre.
IN UNISON Chorus sopranos.
Take 6 collaborated with the SLSO and IN UNISON Chorus for the fourth time.
A sold-out house a Stifel Theatre.
Kevin McBeth leads the orchestra.
SLSO violinists dressed in red holiday accents.
De-Rance Blaylock brought down the house during her performance of “Thank You.”
An audience member rises to her feet during “Thank You.”
Charles Stancil was the soloist in “Oh, What a Wonderful Child.”
Lights fill Stifel Theatre after Take 6 asked the audience to break out their phone flashlights for “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.”
The IN UNISON Chorus rehearsal weekly in preparation for its concerts.

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