The Bogalusa High School Chorus performed its” Christmas in New York” musical Tuesday evening in the school’s auditorium, filling the air with holiday musical favorites, including a powerful rendition of “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night.”

With Director of Music Chad Harry leading them, and accompanied by Greg Levias, the gold-robed chorus opened the program with “I Love the Lord,” featuring a Jaida Smith-Delarosa solo. Next was a lovely “Now Behold the Lamb,” with Cardeja Burris and Tisinguea Bell as soloists.

Jaida Smith-Delarosa’s solo interpretation of “I Turn to You” was an audience favorite, as was “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” featuring Tionne Brown, Diamond Sampson, Kashayla Thomas and DeAuvia Brown.

“O Holy Night,” with its powerful words and music was sung with by Byron Magee, whose performance was rewarded by an appreciative audience.

Amani Riveara sang “Who would Imagine a King,” and the Gospel Choral followed with “Worthy is the Lamb,” with soloist Angelina Lopez. Other numbers included a soulful “Mary Did you Know?” by Yamicka White and “Carol of the Bells” performed by the concert choir. Also performing were middle school dancers and Paperdolls.

Near the end of the musical portion of the show senior Alana Johnson’s performed “Santa Baby,”with just the right mix of cute and sultry

Harry took the mic to honor Bogalusa High School Principal Lesley McKinley for his dedication to the school and its students.

Then Jaida Smith-Delarosa, with the chops to carry it off, performed the final selection of the night, Whitney Houston’s “I Believe in You and Me.” The audience, hushed and attentive until the end, erupted into applause as the last note faded.

In closing, Harry spoke to the audience, thanking everyone for coming, and saying, “These the best kids in the world. We have not lost all of our kids. I’m thankful to the Lord for bringing me here to help the children get where they need to be,” he said.

“There is still hope for the Magic City of Bogalusa to return.”