Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker ushered in another holiday season at this year's Town Hall tree lighting. Ms. Tooker introduced the Orphenians, led for the second year by Staples Choral Activities Director Lauren Pine, and they began the program by performing Joy Shall Be Yours, followed by Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas and the requisite Jingle Bells.

Tooker then introduced Westport's new Poet Laureate Donna Disch (above, right) who read her poem "LIGHTS UP" composed for the occasion and which included the line, "We affirm the ever of living and green and spatter our spruce with stars."

The Orphenians concluded with Deck The Halls as setting the stage for the lighting of the tree.

A crowd of about 100, bundled up against the cold listen to the Orphenians selections of holiday favorites.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

As is done every year, the First Selectwoman invites some of the children in the crowd to help with the countdown to the big moment, and cheers by all accompany the flash of light as the tree is lit.

As part of her remarks, Jen also noted the efforts of Westport DPW in getting the tree ready for the event as they do each year, which takes the entire day to accomplish. The nearly 50 foot tree is out of reach for the town bucket truck so the town has contracted with The Davey Tree Expert Company for the last several years which brings a pair of very tall bucket trucks enabling them to wrap the approximately 3500 LED lights around the tree, in the day-long project.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

ABOUT THE ORPHENIANS: Founded by Dr. George Weigle in 1960, the Orphenians have been the premiere vocal ensemble in Westport for more than six decades. Over those many years, the Orphenians have performed across the globe; including nearly every country in Europe, the United State's West Coast, Australia, Hawaii and will be performing in Spain (summer of 2025).  Under the direction of Staples' new high school choral director, Lauren Pine, this year's ensemble consists of 40 auditioned students ranging from 9th to 12th grade. Known for their many holiday performances and seasonal concerts throughout the town of Westport, they have become an integral part of the local community during the holiday season and year round.

They can be seen several times throughout the holiday season including Saturday night for the Downtown Holiday Shop ‘ Stroll, the Winter Concert at Saugatuck Congregational on Sunday at 7:00 PM for their annual free concert where they will be joined again by the Dartmouth Brovertones: SaugatuckChurch.org

The group is currently trying to raise funds for a planned June, 2025 trip to Spain for an international choral festival under the direction of Dr. Rollo Dilworth.

The Orphenians want to ensure that every student can participate regardless of financial circumstance and will be "caroling for a cause" as well as hosting a mid-winter gala which will be held in March. (follow WestportLocalPress to learn more) 

In addition to our own fundraising goals, we will be contributing all additional proceeds to the Voces8Foundation, who are working to establish a music education hub right here in Westport! The group is asking anyone who can help to donate at: www.orphenians.com

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.