Command Performance by Malden High School Chorus at State House

Student singers give traditional, joyful holiday performance on Beacon Hill; Mayor, state and school officials on hand

By Steve Freker

It happens every time they perform, people say. As soon as the melodic notes emanate from the group, just about everyone that walks by – in perhaps the busiest place in the Commonwealth – stops right in their tracks and just listens, usually with a peaceful smile on their face.

Once again on Wednesday, Beacon Hill was filled with song when the Malden High School Chorus and Madrigal Singers – directed by MHS Choral Arts educator Todd Cole – gave still another command performance of holiday concert music at the State House in Boston. In attendance, beaming with pride, were Malden High Principal Chris Mastrangelo, Mayor Gary Christenson, Malden Public Schools Director of History/Social Studies, Visual and Performing Arts Gerard Tannetta and some members of Malden’s State House legislative delegation – Sen. Jason Lewis (D-5th Middlesex) and Reps. Steve Ultrino (D-33rd Middlesex) and Paul Donato (D-35th Middlesex). Performing in the grand stairway of the State House, nearly 50 members of the MHS Choral Art Society performed a holiday-themed concert that included several memorable selections, including some traditional carols.

The State House performance has been a Malden High tradition for nearly 20 years under choir director Cole, and he says it is something the students look forward to each year.

So do the adults from the city and Malden High School. “We mark it on our calendar with a big star every year,” said seventh-year MHS Principal Chris Mastrangelo. “It’s one of my most favorite events of the year and it’s the same for Mr. Cole and the singers as well.”

The event made a triumphant return to the State House last year, in December 2022, after being cancelled during the pandemic in 2020-2021. Last year it was one of the signature events of the whole academic year and holiday season, Mastrangelo and Cole agreed.

The holiday performances are sponsored by Mass. Secretary of State William Galvin, who invites schools from all across the Commonwealth to perform. Malden High School got involved in 2006 when former state Rep. Chris Fallon and former Malden School Committee member Leonard Iovino joined up to take Secretary Galvin up on his offer. The tradition has continued with the present Malden state delegation assisting and it has become a labor of love for all involved.

“It is amazing,” MHS Principal Mastrangelo said. “People are walking by when our kids are performing and everyone just stays and listens. Every time.

“It’s a beautiful tradition and one that warms everyone’s heart during the holiday season,” the Malden High principal said.