By Christine Persichette
Along a busy stretch of Queens Boulevard sits a church where, for four decades, the sound of Christmas has come alive.
But before the choir even sings a note, there is a lot of preparation. And the man with the key to it all is Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Music Director David Close, who says that for him, it’s more than music — it’s a mission.
“I have been doing this all my life in the service of the Church, and praising God with really great music has been, I guess, a calling that I’ve not been able to avoid,” Close said.
The choir’s voices — a mix of parishioners and professionals — fill the parish every Sunday at the 11:15 Mass. But this rehearsal is for something special: their annual Christmas concert.
The tradition, which began in 1984, is a celebration many say marks the true start of the season, even though the concert is held in the middle of Advent.
“If you want to get into Christmas and you really want to really feel Christmas and the love — come here,” said choir member Barbara Ann Flannery. “I’m telling you, it’s so good. It’s so good!”
And as the choir’s voices rise to the rafters, so do the hearts of the people listening.
“This is what Christmas is about,” said Bishop Paul Sanchez, pastor emeritus. “It’s not about just buying gifts. This is something that really lifts their minds and hearts and brings them closer to God… so it’s a beautiful experience for people.”