×

In Review: ‘The Living Christmas Tree’

“Good Christian Men Rejoice” was the processional anthem articulately played by the 22 piece orchestra as the 60 choral members of the 32rd Living Christmas Tree production traversed their places throughout the 30-foot Christmas tree stanchion anchored in the sanctuary of The First Covenant Church, 520 Spring St., Jamestown. This season’s cantata entitled “Let There Be Christmas,” was arranged  by Joseph Martin and was conducted by Brian A. Bogey. The celebration of hope and peace included carols, narration, original anthems, pageantry and dance that energized the audience to a renewed spirit of the season.

Narrators Marie Lindahl and the Rev. Rick Miller provided paraphrased scripture narration in transition of music selections. “Let there be song,” was renounced as the choir and orchestra built in crescendo “Come All Ye Faithful.” Adam Rohler, tenor supported beautiful tones signing “The Advent Rose,” supported by the chorus and orchestra with graceful lyrical ballet expression by Anna Paterniti.

“Let there be hope– be of good courage – and renew your strength.” The choir elevated their rendition of “The Divine Expectation” as the melody danced between choral sections in four-part harmony contrasted by the bassoon line of Kathleen Fanos and the French horn line of Anne Dolce. “Like a rose blooming in the winter brings grace to make us whole.”

The Youth Choir under the direction of Amy Cross held their own in a bright, energetic and rhythmic selection entitled, “Special King Born Tonight.” Mary and Joseph were shadowed adjacent to the tree stanchion upper left.  “Let there be peace and God will be our peace.” Bogey attempted to balance the orchestra with the softer solo and choral underscore Concertato on “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Noteworthy the program appears to list soloists that alternate between performances without dates of performance. Most solos were beautiful and well supported.

“Let there be love. God with us.” The Youth Sign Choir added a lyrical touch to the medley “Carols from a Quiet Manager,” including “Still and Fairest Lord Jesus.”  Emma Anderson soled with lovely vibrato and gentle lullaby phrasing. “Let there be joy – an angel appeared  – and the glory of the Lord shone upon them.” Four angels in expressive choreography adorned the upper platforms stage right and stage left of the tree in “Arise!” (Hodie Christus Natus Est – Today Christ Is Born).

“Let there be wonder. We have seen the star and come to worship him!” The young shepherds journeyed to upper right pointing to the distant star that would lead them to the manger. “Bleak Midwinter’s Gift” was a known melody with lyrics – “What can I give him. I can give him my heart.” Three noble kings arrived to the manager stately dressed in hues of brown, burgundy, and gold.  Costumes were by Cathy Hagadorn and April Binkley. The chorus wore gold tunics with red satin V-neck sashes.  The orchestra and narrators wore concert black. Other pageant costumes were basic and customary.

“Let there be grace.  Let there be music, praise, singing, star shine, worship, and let there be Christmas tonight, was beautiful sung by the choir with orchestra accompaniment “Let There Be Christmas.” Julie Fried sang with nice depth and mellow tone in this production theme song.

The lighting for this production by Eric Bolling  appeared dark at times. It was not possible to enjoy most of the facial expressions of the choir as they sang in sincere praise. One would expect the lights to build as the music crescendos in significance and presence. Sound supervision was by Doug Johnson and Phil Johnson that seemed to lack depth in effect and presence. Narrators should have more of a profound nature in presentation and style.

“Let there be life – faith, hope, peace, love, joy, wonder, grace, and life everlasting.” The final song of the cantata was “A Joyful Gathering of Carols,” which included “Joy To the World, Silent Night, The First Noel, Hark the Herald Angels Sing” and the finale “Let There Be Christmas.” The audience sang silently to themselves, without a conduction to join in universal song.  Bogey was an effective conductor with articulated cut-offs, noted dynamics and precision.

Adam Rohler, Sr. Pastor of First Covenant encouraged the audience “to take the love, light, and joy of Christ where every they go.” The final musical selection arranged by Barlow Bradford with word and lyrics by Janice Kapp Perry was entitled “I’m Trying To Be Like Jesus.” The closing lyrics emphasized Rohler’s remarks, “Love one another as Jesus loves you. Try to show kindness in all that you do. Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought, for these are the things Jesus taught.”

The chorus for this production was excellent. Several a’cappella sections were beautiful, on pitch and well executed. Time and space only affords global credits to the orchestra strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and piano.  Significant time and energy is well noted in the design, construction, storage and decoration of the wooden tree stanchion that is the anchor for this music tradition for thirty-two years. Brenda Hagadorn, vocalist and Dan Johnson, cello can attest to this effort as they are original members of this tradition.

“Let There Be Christmas,” The Living Christmas Tree of First Covenant Church continues today at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. with their final performance Sunday at 5 p.m. Tickets are available online at firstcovchurch.org for $8. For more information visit their website or contact  First Covenant Church 520 Spring St., Jamestown, at 483-9825.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today