The regionally renowned Bagaduce Chorale gave two performances of its 2018 Holiday Concert in Blue Hill and on in Ellsworth. In a word, this year’s program was Wonderful — perhaps the Chorale’s best in many years, and that’s saying a lot.

Mozart’s many-mooded Mass in Honor of the Holy Trinity showed the Chorale’s impressive range and kept the audience totally engaged for the first half. Of course, one reason for such engagement was the Chorale’s famed and dynamic Director, Bronwyn Kortge, who at times becomes the music.

After the Intermission, the lights were dimmed and the Chorale surrounded the audience, which joined them in singing Silent Night, Angels We Have Heard, and Once in Royal David’s City.

Then, the Chorale returned to the tiered stage for the featured piece, John Rutter’s lovely and extraordinary Mass of the Children. Soprano Katelyn Bray, Baritone Isaac Bray, and the Ellsworth Community Music Institute Youth Chorale gave scintillating performances, as did the Bagaduce Chorale and the GEMS (Gaining Experience through Mentors) Orchestra.