Brentwood United Methodist Church (BUMC) will present “Festival of Carols”on Sunday, December 14, 2014, at 7 p.m., in the Sanctuary. This special performance will feature John Rutter’s “Gloria.”
On the program will be the over 75-voice Brentwood United Methodist Church Chancel Choir, directed by Dr. Bill Caldwell and accompanied by Patsy Wade, pianist; Dr. Gregg Bunn, organist; and a 45-member professional orchestra. Other musical participants on the program are the Alleluia Choir of 5th and 6th graders, directed by James Wells; and the Brentwood United Methodist Church Ringers, the adult handbell choir conducted by Dr. Bunn. Mike Mattox will be the narrator.
Written as a concert work, “Gloria” was commissioned by the “Voices of Mel Olson,” Omaha, Neb. Rutter directed its first performance during his first visit to the United States in May 1974. This performance will be highlighted by Meryll Rose Elkins, soprano; Gina Hantel, mezzo soprano; Beth Teegarden, alto; and Caroline Adams, child soloist, along with the Chancel Choir and orchestra.
A traditional favorite, “Silent Night,” by Franz Gruber, will include the Alleluia Choir, a child soloist, tenor Ben Charlton, the Chancel Choir and orchestra. “Breath of Heaven” by Amy Grant and Chris Eaton, will have Cristy Caldwell as soprano with the Chancel Choir and orchestra.
Two works from the Messiah, “And Suddenly There Was With the Angel,” and “Glory to God” by George Frederic Handel, will be offered up by the Chancel Choir and orchestra with Diane Romeo as soprano. “Mary Had a Baby,” by William Dawson, will be presented by the Chancel Choir with Meryll Rose Elkins, as soprano.
The men of the Chancel Choir, with Chris Yoakum as tenor, will sing “A King Is Born,” by Sy Gorieb and Tim Hosman, accompanied by the orchestra. A favorite carol, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, by John B. Calkin, will have Don Strobeck, tenor, with the Chancel Choir and orchestra.
The Brentwood United Methodist Church Ringers and orchestra will perform “Comfort, Comfort Ye My People,” arranged by Cathy Moklebust.
In addition to these memorable seasonal musical selections, the free concert will include some well-known Christmas carols with an opportunity for the audience to join in singing at several points during the one-hour festival of music. Scheduled to be on the program are “Heavenly Light,” by Alexander Alesandrovick Kopylov, plus favorites such as “Away in a Manger,” Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Joy to the World.”
Brentwood United Methodist Church is located at 309 Franklin Rd., Brentwood, TN 37027. For information, call (615) 373-3663 or visit www.bumc.net.
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