Opening Night Exceeds Expectations
Those attending the first performance Saturday night were able to experience a wide selection of holiday favorites.
“It was a musical feast, the musical numbers were not your ordinary easy pieces, they were intricate. The harmony was beautiful” said Mark Dorton, a local resident from Mission Viejo.
The adult choir started the program by singing a rousing Traditional French Carol, “Sing We Noel” which was arranged by Principal Director Catherine Tibbitts. The adult choir then performed “Star Carol” by John Rutter.
Principal Director, Catherine Tibbitt
The children’s choir stole the show by singing an emotional, “Can I Hold Baby Jesus”, then picked up the mood with a multicultural song called “Heri Za Krismas” which is composed with both Swahili and English texts, which includes a chorus from the traditional “Joy to the World”.
Later in the evening the youth choir entered the chapel and sang a lovely “Come to Us, Emmanuel”, than raised the roof with their rendition of “Goin’ to Bethlehem”.
There are other musical numbers by soloists and ensembles. A special treat of the night was a solo by local well known vocalist John Huntington, who electrified the audience when he sang “ Wexford Carol”.
The Christmas Story was read from Luke 2 by Katie Parker.
“Sing Noel – Hurry to Bethlehem” will be presented one more night by The Mission Viejo California Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Choral Music is provided by three choirs; an adult choir directed by Catherine Tibbitts with Patti Spencer, Ensemble Director, accompanists Julie Ann Ballard, piano, organ and flute, with Henry Gallart and Catherine Tibbitts, piano, Kathryn Espenschied, flute, David Hada and Jay Monson, guitar.
Youth Choir directed by Geoffrey Crisp with accompanist Henry Gallart, piano, with Kathryn Espenschied, flute
Children’s Choir directed by Laura Camastro, with Leslie Mortensen accompanist, piano and Kathryn Espenschied on flute.
Principal Director, Catherine Tibbitts is a published composer of choral music, and is currently the full-time Staff Accompanist for the Saddleback College Music Department in Mission Viejo.
Also infront and behind the scenes were some very diligent folks working hard to make the night run smoothly.
LDS leadership wants to give a special thanks to: Creative Arts Director – Geoffrey Crisp; Stake High Council Rep – Allen Doezie; Audio Engineer/Technical Support – Alex Larkin, Michael Wallace, Michael Buhrley, Brandon Beazer; Decor- Pepper Buhrley, Christine Dunyon, Linda Hughes; Program Design – Michael Wallace; Production Assistant – Debra Crisp
Performance starts at 7 p.m. at the Mission Viejo LDS Stake Center.
No charge. Open to the public.
27976 Marguerite Pkwy
Mission Viejo
