Geneva United Methodist Church hosts its annual Christmas cantata Dec. 18

United Methodist Church of Geneva is inviting the community to its annual Christmas cantata on Sunday, Dec. 18.

It will be performed at 9 and 10:30 a.m. at the church, 211 Hamilton St. The 9 a.m. service will include a performance by the Children's Choir.

A tradition since 1985, this year's Cantata is "On Christmas Night" by Bob Chilcott.

"On Christmas Night," is a musical celebration of the Christmas story, presented as a sequence of eight original carols presented by the 45-voice Cantata Choir and accompanied by pipe organ and chamber ensemble.

This is a performance the whole family will enjoy!

The cantata will be conducted by Scott Stevenson, director of music ministries, and Michael Popplewell, director of choral ministries.

Stevenson has been with the church for over 30 years. A well-known musician in the area, he frequently conducts the cantata, and has written six original cantatas over the years. He also has composed 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 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 also has served as accompanist and composer-in-residence for St. Charles Singers.

Popplewell has been director of Choral Ministries at the church since 2006 where he directs both children's and adult choirs. He remains active in choral music in the Fox Valley, performing with St. Charles Singers in both a solo and chorister capacity, and serves as a guest clinician for area junior and senior high school singers.

More information can be found at www.genevaumc.org. Find the church on Facebook or Instagram at @UMCGeneva.