A Review of Candlelight Christmas
Audience members were delighted as the Susquehanna Valley Chorale rang in the holiday season with the annual “Candlelight Christmas” performance. Rich voices filled the Zion Lutheran Church as the audience joined the Chorale in heartwarming carols. Candles creating a serene atmosphere were juxtaposed with bells ringing loud and clear through the sanctuary.
When asked for reactions to the concert, several audience members readily provided their input.”The concert was absolutely beautiful. Loved the brass with the choir, and, of course, the bells and harp. Lovely beginning for Christmas.”
A first-time attendee said, “This was our first SVC event. We heard about it from a family member of one of the choir members. We want to make it a yearly event to attend. My wife and I wanted to tell you how much we thoroughly enjoyed yesterday’s concert. It is by far and away the most dramatic experience one can ever imagine. ABSOLUTELY GLORIOUS!”
Another sampling of the many positive comments heard about the concert was, “I just wanted to express how much I enjoyed the SVC concert Saturday evening. It really put me in the holiday spirit. I can only imagine how much work you all put into preparing such an outstanding performance.”
And, high praise continued as an audience member singled out the conductor of the Chorale by saying,”The SVC concert was spectacular on Sunday. Please tell Bill [Payn] it was better than any Broadway show or TV special I’ve ever seen. What talent!”
For this concert, as with every one, the Chorale and conductor spend numerous hours of diligent work to practice and perfect each musical piece. For “Candlelight Christmas”, the Chorale then joined the Commonwealth Brass Ensemble, harpist Elizabeth Asmus, flutist Amy Kenny, and organist David Cover, to play the entire performance together, synchronizing and polishing all aspects of the music, before presenting it to audiences. The culmination of this detailed preparation results in appreciative audience comments as “This must be what Heaven sounds like at Christmas!”
The SVC would like to thank the sponsors, underwriters, subscribers, audience members and volunteers for making this year’s “Candlelight Christmas” performance possible. Please join us at our next performance in March. The SVC will present Voices of Light, a combination of music and film featuring the 1928 silent film The Passion of Joan of Arc with a score by composer Richard Einhorn, on Saturday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 12 at 2 p.m. at the Campus Theatre in downtown Lewisburg. Tickets may be ordered online, www.svcmusic.org, or by phone, 570-547-0455. Order early to reserve your place as seating is limited.
