’Tis the season, already: Monroeville tree lighting, holiday concert approaches

Leslie Savisky | Tuesday, November 7, 2023 12:30 p.m.

Haley Daugherty | Tribune-Review

Opus 2 Orchestra performs at Monroeville’s Tree Lighting and Holiday Concert in 2022.

Monroeville’s annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Concert is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 21.

Hosted by the Monroeville Historical Society, the free event is at the Old Stone Church, 2700 Stroschein Road. The indoor concert will feature the Opus 2 Orchestra and Monroeville Chorus, showcasing seasonal songs to get everyone in the holiday spirit. There will also be an appearance from Santa Claus.

“We do this every year,” said Joe Ventresca, vice president, event coordinator and wedding coordinator for the Monroeville Historical Society. “This is our 54th year doing this. We ring the bell at the church to kick off the holiday season.”

The Opus 2 Orchestra, which was founded over 50 years ago, is a community-based teaching orchestra composed of students and adults, and is inclusive to all backgrounds and skill levels.

The Monroeville Chorus, founded in 1953, is a nonprofit group open to anyone who enjoys singing and has a love of music. Both organizations perform in and around the Monroeville area.

Ventresca attributes most of the planning for the concert and tree lighting to the historical society’s president, Bruce Walker, and committee chair Renee Float.

“The decorations are magnificent,” Ventresca said.

After the concert, the event moves outside for the tree lighting, with hot chocolate and cookies served. Local Girls Scouts will be in attendance to pass out refreshments.

“We also have a historical book giveaway,” Walker said. The giveaway is free; however, donations are accepted. All proceeds go to the Monroeville Historical Society.

According to an article on the society’s website and written by Louis Chandler, the historical society was founded in 1969 when a group of community members determined there was a need “to help preserve the community’s history.”

Three original members began meeting at The Old Stone Church, which was “purchased by the Silvis family and donated to the Borough of Monroeville.”

Through the years, members have changed, but the importance of preserving and restoring properties of historical significance remains the same.

The historical society meets at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at Monroeville Public Library. The public is welcome to attend.

The Monroeville Tree Lighting and Holiday Concert is sponsored by the nonprofit Monroeville Foundation, which assists in the development of plans, studies and standards for public improvements, along with providing for community events.