Crystal Lake church to host annual family Christmas concert Dec. 11

The First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake presents its annual Family Christmas Concert, "Light of the World" on Sunday, Dec. 11.

The concert will begin at 4 p.m. at the church, 461 Pierson St.

It will feature the church's Vestry Adult Choir, Jubilate Adult Handbell Choir, Alleluia Sound High School Choir and the third- to eighth-grade Carol and Chancel Choirs under the leadership team of Ann Tucker, Director of Music; Toni Gambini, Bellmaster; Barbara Thorsen, accompanist; and Danielle Cairoli, assistant accompanist.

The children, youth and adult choirs will sing the famous English carol "I Saw Three Ships" arranged by Mack Wilberg.

"I Saw Three Ships" and a sparkling arrangement of "Ding Dong Merrily on High" by David Willcocks will be performed by choirs spanning ages 9 to 90 with chamber orchestra, handbells and piano/organ accompaniment.

Vestry Adult Choir will perform a stunning piece by Renaissance composer Tomas Luis de Victoria, "O Magnum Mysterium" as well as a new set of pieces by Kevin Siegfried, "Annunciation."

Vestry also will sing Howard Helvey's original work "What Star is This, with Beams So Bright" and "Ring Out Ye Bells" by African-American composer Marques Garrett and arranged by Dan Forrest for bells and choir, with orchestration by Peppie Calvar.

FCC's Alleluia Sound High School Choir and Carol and Chancel Elementary & Middle School Choir will perform arrangements of traditional carols, "Sing We All of a Savior Mild" and "Fum, Fum, Fum."

FCC's virtuosic Jubilate Adult Handbell Choir will perform the enchanting "Do You Hear What I Hear" arranged by Sandra Eithun, as well as the exciting "Masters in This Hall," a traditional English Carol arranged by Matthew Compton.

"Twas in the Moon of Wintertime," a traditional Huron Carol, is arranged for bells and percussion by Sandra Eithun.

Jubilate also will share "We Need a Little Christmas," by Jerry Herman, which has been arranged by Ron Mallory for bells.

As always, audience members and performers alike will enjoy singing familiar carols together during a portion of the program.

For information, call the church office at (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org. The public is invited to attend this free holiday program. A free-will offering will be received.

Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. for the 4 p.m. concert. Come early to get a seat!

The church is handicapped accessible.