For more than 30 years, members of the St. Catherine Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have joined forces to bring together their communities through an Community Christmas Concert held in Morgan Hill, filling the halls to capacity.
Six years ago, using the model of that community concert as a point of reference, Amy Oelrich, with her extensive experience as a performer and teacher, concert, and play director, enlisted talented musicians and choirs locally in an annual performance held at San Benito High School.
The concert, held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5 at San Benito High School, provides an opportunity for the community to come together as one, through music, and is comprised of local talent and inter-faith groups throughout Hollister and the surrounding areas (Gilroy, San Juan Bautista) and has become San Benito County’s annual Christmas performing arts celebration.
The First Presbyterian Church Handbell Choir will get things started followed by other local groups including; The Oriana Youth Chorus, South Valley Suzuki String Academy, the cast of "Catch Me if You Can," Momentum, the Oakwood Harmonettes, Morgan Hill Stake Choir, Mariachi Juvenil Alma de Mexico, the Hollister Men’s Quartet and some duets.
The free show’s grand finale includes the audience joining together in singing "Silent Night," followed by a cookie reception.