Choirs, bell choirs to perform annual family Christmas concert
First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake presents its annual family Christmas concert, "Angels and Trumpets" at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, featuring the Vestry Adult Choir, Jubilate Adult Handbell Choir, and Alleluia Sound High School Choir, under the leadership team of Ann Tucker, director of music; accompanist Barbara Thorsen and bellmaster Toni Gambini.
Immediately after the performance, all are invited to a benefit chili supper hosted by FCC's middle school youth group.
Angels fascinate people. Stories about angels are found in popular culture through literature, movies, books and in our own lives, and their glorious songs of praise and adoration find a central storyline in the Christmas story celebrated by people all over the world. Opening the "Angels and Trumpets" concert will be John Ferguson's "Mary's Story as told by St. Luke" by reader Karen Schmiel of Crystal Lake, organist Barbara Thorsen of Crystal Lake and solo trumpeter Randy Karon of Barrington. It follows the angel Gabriel as he speaks to a young woman, Mary, about what is to come in her life.
Daniel Pinkham's marvelous Christmas cantata for brass, organ and choir will follow and features Vestry Choir accompanied by guest artists, the Crystal Brass, resident brass ensemble of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Crystal Lake.
The text of this work tells the story of the angels appearing to the shepherds and announcing the birth of Jesus. Other pieces performed by Vestry Choir include "Angels from the Realm of Glory" featuring Eva Wedel and Barbara Thorsen performing a sparkling four-handed piano accompaniment, and Franz Biebl's glorious "Ave Maria."
The Alleluia Sound High School Choir will perform the hauntingly beautiful French carol, "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence," with soprano Elizabeth Routzahn and Mozart's "Gloria in Excelsis," featuring soprano Emma Soden, alto Codie Mahon, tenor Ryan Tucker, and baritone Andrew Gippert.
Also on their portion of the program will be the lighthearted traditional novelty song, "Fruitcake."
FCC's accomplished adult Jubilate Handbell Choir will perform "What Child is This," arranged by Brenda Austin; "Veni," arranged by Jason W. Krug; "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing," arranged by Ian Good, and "Masters in This Hall," a French carol arranged by Arnold Sherman.
"Jingle Bell Rock," arranged by Sondra Tucker, will round out their set. As always, audience members and performers alike will enjoy singing familiar carols together during a portion of the program. Ann Tucker and Toni Gambini will direct the performance. Barbara Thorsen will accompany the choirs.
For information, call the church office at (815) 459-6010 or visit www.fcc-cl.org.
The public is invited to attend this free holiday program. A freewill offering will be received. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. Come early to get a seat!
The church is handicapped accessible. And don't forget the benefit chili supper to follow in the fellowship hall.