With an emphasis on community, the Island Community Chorus counted off the beginning of its 20th year of raising voices in a joyous holiday concert at the Old Whaling Church Saturday evening.

Longtime director Peter Boak and pianist Garrett Brown anchored two performances on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. — Alison L. Mead

Director Peter Boak led his chorus of more than 100 through a traditional program of holiday favorites.

With pews filled to capacity, hearty applause following each number signaled appreciation for the voices reverberating through the historic church.

Tisbury School music teacher Julie Schilling performed solo clarinet on the traditional Chanukah melody Hanerot Halalu.

Sophia Saunders-Jones played flute on the traditional Irish folk song Gartan Mother’s Lullaby. Mr. Boak reminded the audience that Ms. Saunders-Jones was one of the early recipients of the chorus scholarship annually awarded to a graduating Island student. She has gone on to a professional career in music, but often returns to the Island from her New York home to perform with the chorus.

Ken Romero was the soloist on a spirited rendition of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Wesley Brown joined his brother, accompanist Garrett Brown, for a four-handed piano version of the chorus favorite Merrily on High.

The church was full. — Alison L. Mead

But the highlight of the evening proved to be the traditional Scottish melody Auld Lang Syne, sung by soprano soloist Jenny Friedman with Dorian Lopes on the penny whistle.

A sustained standing ovation wrapped up the evening.

An encore performance was held Sunday afternoon, also to a full house.

Mr. Boak encouraged all to mark calendars for April 2 and 3, when the Island Community Chorus will celebrate its anniversary with a free concert featuring German Requiem by Johannes Brahms, at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School Performing Arts Center.