Huntley church to host 'Christmas Reflections: Hope, Comfort, and Joy Concert' Dec. 12
While the COVID-19 pandemic has presented many communities with roadblocks that inhibit traditional holiday festivities, especially concerts, the SOTP Artist Series, a community outreach initiative spearheaded by the Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church music ministry, has managed to successfully and safely skirt around them.
On Saturday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m., “Christmas Reflections: Hope, Comfort, and Joy,” a formal concert featuring some of the Chicago area's celebrated musicians, will be livestreamed on the Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church website.
Sponsored by the SOTP artist series, and open to the public, the concert aims to celebrate the Christmas season from multiple perspectives. With a program of sacred and secular classics, the concert features music that encourages audience members to revel in the joy, optimism, and wonder that the season offers.
A new arrangement of the J.S. Bach Cantata, “Wachet Auf” will premiere, and audience members can sing along to classics from Irving Berlin's White Christmas to their heart's content.
The concert will be hosted by National Radio Hall of Fame agriculture broadcaster Orion Samuelson of WGN 720-AM, a member of the congregation.
Among the performers are esteemed Metropolitan Opera soprano Maria Kanyova, members of the Elgin Symphony orchestra and the Elgin Youth symphony Orchestra, rising tenor Christopher Jackson, talented pianist Erik Boehmke, and accomplished musicians who are members of the church.
The concert will also showcase the church sanctuary's new 1917 Mason and Hamlin grand piano, which was acquired this fall.
Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, under the faith leadership of senior pastor Mark Boster, has served the faith community in Huntley for over 20 years.
Visit www.shepherdoftheprairie.com for more information or contact artistseries@sotpmail.com.