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Lenora Thom
Music Director
January 2011
I encountered a problem last Sunday when it was time to begin rehearsals for the Intergenerational Choir – there were so many folks lining up to sing this time, that I ran out of sheet music and we barely fit in the choir pews! What a nice problem to have! We will have over 40 children, teens and adults singing for the Dec. 24 family service at 4 PM. The IG Choir just gets better and better, tackling ever-harder pieces and singing more music at every service. Our two major offerings this time are “Bethlehem, Bethlehem” by Jay Althouse and “Can You See the Star” by Sally Albrecht. A special treat will be the musical assistance from RE teenagers Marissa Cranford (piano) and Steel Cobb (percussion). This promises to be a superlative effort by this wonderful group. Don’t miss it!
The Adult Choir has three gorgeous anthems for the 9 PM service Christmas Eve. “A la Puerta del Cielo” is a charmingly sweet Spanish lullaby by Audrey Snyder. The haunting “Mirabile Mysterium” by new composer Taylor Davis is reminiscent of Morten Lauridson’s “O Magnum Mysterium,” with its lush harmonies and soaring vocal lines. And the incomparable John Rutter has written yet another winner with “Mary’s Lullaby,” which is utterly exquisite. These three selections will capture the peace, joy, and magic of the season.
Finally, I want to mention one other very special musical offering this month, showcasing the talents of our “resident composers.” It is “Solstice Carol,” with words and melody by Michael Ellis and harmonization by Laura Jump. It is simply fabulous! The Adult Choir will sing this on Sunday, Dec. 19, and I am so delighted to add this piece to our program. Happy Holidays!
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