For the holidays, the Community Chorus of Port Townsend and East Jefferson County is presenting two festive concerts, featuring melodies from around the world, plus songs celebrating the power of music and singing itself.

Performances of the “Music Changes the World” program will start 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, at First Presbyterian Church, at 1111 Franklin St. in Port Townsend, and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, at 45 Redeemer Way in Chimacum.

Spreading peace and joy through song is a way to share our common humanity with the people of the world, according to fall director Sarah Moran and the chorus organizers.

“It means so much to feel connected to others on the planet through singing,” said chorus president and alto Linda Atkins, who added that connectedness has reach. While uniting with others, “Singing also makes me feel more in touch with myself.”

Chorus organizers cited research showing that choir singing can improve health and happiness by reducing stress, exercising the brain as well as the body, and boosting the immune system.

Social connections can play a role in maintaining health, so chorus organizers note that participating in a choir can foster person-to-person bonding.

“I truly believe that music has the power to bring people together, to experience a sense of belonging,” Atkins said. “This seems particularly significant with the challenges we face today.”

Highlighting cultures is a predominant theme in Moran’s program, which includes Spanish, African, Hebrew, German and Japanese songs.

“I love the fact that we are singing songs from all over the world, in various different languages,” said David Segleau, a chorus board member and bass. “The lyrics speak about joy, harmony, peace and traditions, which are wonderful sentiments for the holiday season.”

Segleau added that “it’s the most inclusive program that I’ve done in years. I think that inclusiveness and broadening our perspective is especially important now. Music unites us all. The songs that we are singing reflect that.”

Audiences will hear variations on a few Christmas favorites, including “O Tannenbaum” and “Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella.”

A familiar tune that Moran unearthed, which neatly aligns with the world music theme, is “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing,” written in 1971.

Similar titles supporting the world focus include “Umoja Tunaimba (United We Sing),” “Sing to Bring Us Together” and “Your Hand and Mine.”

Accompanying the singers on piano will be Liz Hopkins, with accompaniment from percussionist Sammy J. Watkins.

The holiday concerts mark the return of the chorus’s popular cookie sale extravaganza, not seen since 2019, with homemade holiday cookies available at both concerts. Proceeds go to help support the costs of performing George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” in the fall of 2025, which the chorus will co-present with Port Townsend’s Rainshadow Chorale.

That will mark the 50th anniversary of the Community Chorus, launched in 1975.

“The Community Chorus offers an opportunity to return to singing, by offering a supportive and enjoyable environment,” Atkins said. “We work hard and have fun doing it.”

Segleau agreed. “Music is a key ingredient in creating community and fostering the kind of place where people from all walks of life want to live. I feel privileged to be a part of the Community Chorus, as we contribute, in our own way, toward building an inclusive, joyous community.”

Lynn Nowak is an alto and a longtime board member of the Community Chorus of Port Townsend and East Jefferson County.