Singing in the Northwest Boychoir for 10 years has shaped Chris Fertakis’ life in many ways.
The choir allowed Fertakis, 16, to experience things at a young age most adults haven’t done. Since Fertakis was 6 years old he has recorded music, been taught by professional voice teachers, traveled to many places and sang with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra.
The Northwest Boychoir has 70 boys ages 9-18, representing 44 public and private schools in the greater Seattle area of Washington state. The choir provides a year-round program that includes regular twice-weekly rehearsals, a residential summer camp, a rigorous concert schedule and a biannual international tour program.
“Being in the choir has influenced the kind of music I like and the way I listen to music,” Fertakis said. “The way I listen to music is different from how my peers at school listen to music because others just hear sounds, but I hear each individual tone and how they blend together.”
Fertakis and the rest of the Northwest Boychoir are celebrating 33 years of a Festival of Lessons & Carols Christmas event. The classical performance features nine holiday readings, each followed by a traditional carol performed by the choir and another carol sound by the choir and audience members.
“I love Christmastime, so I am really exited about this concert series,” Fertakis said. “I really like the repertoire we have, there are lots of really great songs that are fun to sing.”
A Festival of Lessons & Carols concerts are open to the public, and will run Dec. 9–21, at various venues throughout the Puget Sound Region.
“We’ve had other children in the choir and have always loved watching the Christmas performance,” said Mary Fertakis, mother. “The thing I enjoy the most about watching Chris perform is seeing him transform into an incredible professional and produce music at that kind of level.”
Concerts have reserved seating, so advanced ticket purchases are encouraged. Advance tickets are available through the Northwest Choirs at 206-524-3234 or online at www.nwchoirs.org.
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