In Service to Others: Duke Chorale’s Holiday Tradition of Giving Back
Every December, Duke Chapel comes alive with song, community and a shared spirit of generosity. The Duke University Chorale’s annual holiday concert — fondly known as the Holiday Chorale — is far more than a seasonal tradition. It’s an evening of music with a mission: to bring people together in service to others.
For Director Allan Friedman, lecturing fellow in Music, who will celebrate four years leading the Chorale this February, the concert embodies the values he hopes every member of his group shares. “Many of our students come to Duke wanting to make an impact, but their busy lives can make it hard to find ways to give back,” he explained. “This concert is one of the moments when they can use their talents to do good and bring the community to Duke’s campus.”
That spirit of connection shines through in every note and partnership. Young performers from the community — roughly 70 singers from Durham School of the Arts and 25 student musicians from the Duke String School — will be on stage performing at this year’s concert. Friedman visits each group in advance for rehearsals, culminating with one joyful combined run-through the night of the event.
“It’s an incredible experience to stand on stage with students of all ages, from local high schoolers to Duke undergrads, graduate students and alumni, all giving their time and artistry to create something beautiful together,” he said.
In keeping with a long-standing tradition, the holiday concert also supports a local nonprofit. Over the past two years, the Chorale community has collected over 500 books for Book Harvest, a Durham-based organization that puts stories in the hands of children throughout the area. Chorale concert admission is free for audiences with a new or gently used children’s book as their “ticket.”
For Book Harvest, the evening’s generosity extends beyond donations. Each year, Book Harvest selects a picture book to be read aloud for children in the audience. Santa himself is even known to make an appearance, complete with a small gift for every child.
“Book drives like this one make it possible for families to build home libraries without barriers,” said Benay Kicks, an executive at Book Harvest. “The Duke Chorale’s annual holiday concert and book drive is one of our favorite traditions of the season — it reminds us that when a community comes together to give, children feel care in a tangible way.”
The concert program itself celebrates many musical and cultural traditions. This year’s theme reflects the Chorale’s upcoming spring tour to Puerto Rico, featuring vibrant selections from Puerto Rico, Spain and beyond, as well as familiar holiday favorites from various faiths and cultures.
Beyond this single night, the Chorale continues its work throughout the year, performing for local continuing care communities and raising funds for causes such as refugee support and local food banks, already totaling over $8,000 in donations this year alone.
For audiences, the experience is one of joy, reflection and meaningful connection. “We keep the program to about an hour — it’s family-friendly, welcoming and full of heart,” said Friedman. “At its core, the concert is about giving to others. That, to me, is what the season is all about.”
The annual Duke Chorale Holiday Concert will be held on Tuesday, December 2 from 7 - 8:30 pm in Duke Chapel. Admission is free with a children’s book donation for Book Harvest.
