Founded in 1953, The Area Choir is a welcoming and supportive community choir offering a joyful, high-quality choral experience for all who love to sing, regardless of musical background, with no fee, religious affiliation, or audition required. The Choir enriches and expands access to excellent choral music in the greater Upper Valley and Lake Sunapee region by presenting free annual Christmas concerts, holds a Summer Sing open to all, and participates in community events according to its availability.

The Area Choir is supported through business and individual donations, grants, and a free-will offering at each concert.

Directed by Susan Cancio-Bello, the 60-voice choir performs three identical Christmas concerts of familiar and new selections accompanied by Alexander Stewart, pianist; and Nicolas Kleinschmidt, organist, with additional selections by the Earle Pollard Memorial Bell Choir. There is no fee to attend. Free-will donations are appreciated.

Rehearsals and concerts are in the beautiful setting of South Congregational Church, at 20 Church Street in Newport, NH. The 2026 rehearsals will be held Sundays from 4:00 to 6:30 PM, beginning October 18 and continuing until the concerts on Saturday, December 5 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, December 6 at 3:00 and 7:00 PM.

For information about singing with The Area Choir, becoming a supporter, or about the concerts, email us at TheAreaChoir@gmail.com or visit The Area Choir Facebook page.

The Area Choir is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Tax ID 22-2511426