Carol of the Bells

On December 5, 2025, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay transformed Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida, into a radiant space of sound and celebration during their holiday concert, Holly, Jolly, and Gay! Among the evening’s most stirring moments was their performance of Peter J. Wilhousky’s iconic arrangement of “Carol of the Bells,” a piece that blended seasonal tradition with the chorus’s distinctive spirit and vocal power.

As the opening notes echoed through the sanctuary, the chorus’s precision and unity were immediately apparent. Wilhousky’s arrangement, famous for its driving rhythm and layered choral lines, came alive through crisp diction and carefully shaped dynamics. The Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay leaned into the music’s sense of urgency and mystery, allowing the familiar Ukrainian melody to unfold with both intensity and warmth. Each section of the ensemble contributed to a rich tapestry of sound, building momentum as the bell-like motifs rang out again and again.

The setting of Allendale United Methodist Church added a special resonance to the performance. The church’s acoustics amplified the chorus’s harmonies, giving the piece a shimmering quality that felt both intimate and grand. Audience members were visibly drawn into the music, many sitting in rapt attention as the chorus navigated the dramatic crescendos and sudden silences that make “Carol of the Bells” so compelling.

Within the broader context of Holly, Jolly, and Gay!, this performance stood as a powerful reminder of how classic holiday music can be reenergized through passionate interpretation. The Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay not only honored Wilhousky’s beloved arrangement but also infused it with their own sense of joy, inclusivity, and artistry. The result was a performance that captured the spirit of the season while celebrating the enduring power of choral music to bring people together.