Geneva church to perform 'Signs of Christmas' cantata Dec. 10

On Sunday, Dec. 10, a 55-voice cantata choir and 11-piece chamber orchestra will present Scott Stevenson's "Signs of Christmas" at 9 and 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Geneva, 211 Hamilton.

Last performed in 2007, the presentation is based on the lyrics of the hymn "There's a Song in the Air." Stevenson's collection of hymn arrangements features two of his original works, "Quietly," and "A Mother's Prayer."

The cantata follows the four sections of the hymn themes: there's a song in the air, there's a star in the sky, there's a mother's deep prayer, and a baby's low cry. At the end of the first three movements, the congregation will join in and sing along with a hymn. Rehearsals began in October for this annual tradition.

Music director Scott Stevenson is celebrating 30 years of music ministry at the Geneva church this fall. A well-known musician in the area, he conducts a cantata each Christmas, and has written six original cantatas over the years.

The maestro also has done a lot of composing and performing for Chicago's Old St. Patrick's Church's "Deck the Hall" and "Siamsa na nGael" concert at Symphony Center. He has played accordion for 20 years in the strange/country group Dick Smith; with Electric Dirt at Simon's in Chicago; at the Hideout and other locations in Chicago; and recently with Robbie Fulks and Michael McDermott. He has served as accompanist and composer-in-residence for St. Charles Singers, who will premiere a newly commissioned work of his own at their Candlelight Carols concerts in December.

For information, call (630) 232-7120 or visit www.genevaumc.org.