“Winter Melodies” Gala Illuminates Stonebridge’s Choral Tradition

The city’s annual Winter Melodies gala held at the Stonebridge Civic Auditorium topped the year’s cultural calendar with an evening of world‑class choral performances and community participation. The gala, which began in 2002 as a small‑scale showcase for the local high‑school choir, has grown into a 3‑hour event that attracts more than 2,000 guests each year.

The highlight was the debut of the new “Hymns & Harmonies” concert, a collaboration between the Stonebridge Community Choir and the Mid‑State Symphony Orchestra. The program featured original compositions by resident composer Elena Permesso, a haunting arrangement of The Star-Spangled Banner, and a contemporary piece that blended traditional carol melodies with electronic soundscapes.

The event was opened by Mayor Elena R. Hartman, who praised the choir’s “dedication to musical excellence and community service.” In her speech, she announced a $15,000 grant from the City Arts Fund to support the choir’s outreach program, which brings free vocal lessons to under‑served neighborhoods.

In addition to the concert, attendees enjoyed a “Sculpture & Sound” exhibit—an immersive installation by local artist Rafael Anderson—and a silent auction featuring works by local painters, photographers, and sculptors. All proceeds were directed to the Stonebridge Music Education Fund, which provides scholarships for local music students.

The gala concluded with a city‑wide sing‑along of “O‑de‑a‑la‑City,” inviting guests to join the choir on stage for a communal performance that echoed through the auditorium’s vaulted ceilings.

“Winter Melodies is more than a concert; it’s a celebration of how music brings us together,” Mayor Hartman said. “I’m proud of every student, performer, and volunteer who made this event possible.”

The gala will return next year on December 3, 2026, and tickets for the 2026 event will be available for purchase in late-September. The City encourages all residents to attend and experience the magic of Stonebridge’s choral tradition.