As humidity takes a short break and cooler temperatures remind us that Thanksgiving is headed our way, a sense of giving and benevolence seems to sweep into hearts. In that vein, First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores will offer free admission to “Autumn Serenade” as a gift of gratitude this approaching season of Thanksgiving, according to organizers.

First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores will present Bella Voce, a 30-voice, women's choral group from Mobile, on Sunday, Nov. 10, at 3 p.m. with a reception to follow.

Joyce Sylvester, a member of Bella Voce of Mobile as well as its founder, shared some information about the inspiration behind, and music during, the concert.

“Being that we are in the autumn season that brings cooler weather outside and warmth inside, the music of 'Autumn Serenade' is warm melodically and familiar to the ear,” she revealed. “Selections include classics such as Mozart's 'Ave Verum,' 'Danny Boy,' 'Till There Was You,' and a group of African American Spirituals — one of which was arranged especially for Bella Voce by Alabama composer Ken Berg of the famous Birmingham Boy's Choir.”

She offered some insight into the group behind the voices.

“We are all looking forward to 'Autumn Serenade,' our first full concert outside the Mobile area,” she said. “Bella Voce brings together women from Mobile and the Eastern Shore, of various occupations and from all walks of life who love to sing. We share the common goal of bringing excellence in musical performance and educational outreach to our community.”

In addition to the choir, the group includes, “Our conductor Dr. Thomas L. Rowell, Chairman of Vocal Studies at the University of South Alabama. We are very blessed to have Dr. Rowell who has been with us the past four years. At the moment, Dr. Rowell is singing the role of Koko in Mobile Opera's production of 'The Mikado.' Our assistant conductor is Gwinelle P. Allums, chorus director of First Baptist Church of Mobile.”

She said that warm holiday spirit won't end with “Autumn Serenade.”

“Bella Voce celebrates its sixth year and seventh concert season with 'Christmas Gift,' our annual winter season concert Sunday, Dec. 8, 4 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Mobile,” she noted. “We hope our Gulf Shores audience will enjoy 'Autumn Serenade' and that each individual will leave this concert uplifted and humming a familiar melody.”

First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores is located at 309 E. 21st Ave. For more information, call 251-968-5019 or 251-968-7720.

About Bella Voce

Mobile's Premier Women's Chorus, Bella Voce of Mobile, Inc., was founded by Joyce Sylvester. Its inaugural concert, entitled “Pearls,” was held before a standing-room-only audience Sept. 9, 2007 in the Laidlaw Recital Hall on the campus of the University of South Alabama. Encompassing both Mobile and Baldwin counties, Bella Voce of Mobile gathers together in unity, with a blending of voices and hearts, talented women of diverse occupations and from all walks of life who love to sing.

Singing only classical music and focusing on excellence in interpretation and performance, the ensemble's purpose is to provide cultural education and entertainment to the public as well as musical education and cultural enrichment to its members.