The Cannon Beach Chorus performs Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and five Christmas songs in a holiday concert Friday, Dec. 8, in Cannon Beach, and Sunday, Dec. 10, in Manzanita.

The “Gloria” by Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi is “one of the most popular and uplifting baroque choral works,” chorus director Dorene Dunlap said. “We sing it in the spirit of celebration.”

The 36-voice chorus will be joined by soprano soloist Anne Corning of Seattle and contralto Chrisse Roccaro of Portland. Chorus member Susie Godsey of Nehalem will sing a duet with Corning.

David Carlson of Gearhart will accompany the Vivaldi and holiday songs on piano.

Friday’s concert starts at 7 p.m. at the Community Presbyterian Church, 132 E. Washington St. in Cannon Beach.

The Dec. 10 concert is at 3 p.m. at St. Catherine of Alexandria Episcopal Church, 36355 U.S. Highway 101, between Manzanita and Nehalem.

In addition to the Vivaldi, the community chorus will perform a humorous Christmas medley titled “Ding Dong! Merrily on High,” plus the Africa-inspired “Sifuni Leo! (He’s Born Today-O!),” and three traditional carols.

The carols are “Wassail Song” as set by R. Vaughan Williams, “What Star Is This?” and finally – with audience participation – the thrilling Paul Leddington Wright setting of “O Come All Ye Faithful.”

Admission is $10 per person. Children are admitted free. Tickets are available at the door.

The Cannon Beach Chorus was formed in 1988. Members come from Astoria, Gearhart, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Arch Cape, Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler and Rockaway Beach.

Since 1992, the chorus has been directed by Dorene Dunlap, a seasoned performer, school chorus director, vocal coach and founder of the North Coast jazz vocal ensemble Vox Eclectique.

Carlson has accompanied the chorus since 2002. His past credits include serving as pianist-in-residence for the Boca Raton Symphonic Pops Orchestra and soloist with the Florida Sunshine Pops Orchestra.

Men and women who enjoy singing are welcome to join the community group. Rehearsals are Monday evenings at the Cannon Beach Community Presbyterian Church. For information, call Carolyn Anderson at (503) 717-4182.

Corning has performed and recorded with ensembles in Chicago, Boston and Seattle, with appearances also in Italy and Venezuela. She earned her B.A. in music history in 1992 from the University of Chicago, specializing in baroque vocal performance. In 2000, she placed first in the advanced division of the Puget Sound NATS Competition.

Corning’s previous solo appearances on the North Coast include Handel’s “Messiah” in December 2005 with the Cannon Beach Chorus and North Oregon Coast Symphony, and an April 2006 concert series with the chorus featuring the John Rutter “Requiem.”

Corning earned her MBA from the University of Washington in 2004 and is a cofounder of the startup company, My Style Designs.

Roccaro is also an actor and director, with experience in New York City as well as the Northwest. Locally, she has served as music director for productions at the River Theater in Astoria and the Coaster Theatre in Cannon Beach.

Godsey is a longtime member of the Cannon Beach Chorus. She is also frequently heard with the jazz vocal ensemble Vox Eclectique. In addition, she plays French horn with the North Oregon Coast Symphony.