Christmas Cantata, Festival of Music set
BULLHEAD CITY – This is the time of year for harmony, and a cantata, created in the 17th Century, is an excellent example of harmonious voices. “A wonderful Bullhead City tradition that audiences wait for every year,” said Margaret “Peggy” Boone, narrator and choir member, of Community Lutheran Church’s Christmas Cantata and Festival of Music on Fri, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. and Sat, Dec. 18, at 3 p.m. at 2275 Ricca Road.
“On This Very Night” uses music and narrative to “follow the Star to the manger where the Christ Child awaits us,” the website states.
Dean Leuthauser started Community Lutheran Church’s choir and is the church’s Emeritus Musical Director. Shawn Bristle is the current Music Director, Choir Director, Cantata Choir Director and the, unrelated, Voices of the River Choir Director. The Cantata Choir evolved “13-to-14 years ago” from the choir, said Boone. “It’s gotten larger over the years.”
Yes, it has! This year features a new program and a number of special performances by choir members. “If you listen closely, a collection of music from different composers features a snippet of Handel’s ‘Hallelujah Chorus’.” Other elements that choir members have been practicing diligently include an African Noel, “a beautiful soothing lullaby,” said Boone, and “regular Christmas carols that people will recognize,” as well as have the opportunity to sing along with.
That’s right. This Nativity Cantata features the voices of the audience during appropriate moments. “During the Christmas carols, the director will turn to audience and invite them to join in,” said Boone.
Another feature of this Cantata is four-handed piano duets by sisters Noni Robnett and Elaine Q. Olson. Robnett will also join professional singer Constanze Bender, who also plays flute and violin, for an instrumental duet.
“We don’t want to forget our ‘resident prophet’, Buddy Rehm,” said Boone.
A snowbird who spends his summers mining for gold in Alaska, Rehm will be dressed as a prophet while reading scripture. Joining Boone as narrator is Brad Hoffmeyer.
“Through music, we want to remind people that the message of Christmas is more than simply stores and presents and food and cards,” said Boone. “That’s all just the angel on the tree,” she added. “We want people to leave with happy heart, full of joy.”
This Navity Cantata’s orchestral background is a symphonic sound system, featuring the voices of live singers, and Boone said that “some singers are not of our church, not of any church. We invite you to come and sing with us in the Cantata,” adding that Bristle is “extremely patient” and you don’t even need to read music–although you’ll probably learn to! “The more singers, the more robust the choir,” said Boone.
“We usually recommend people claim their seats early, because we generally have an overflow crowd,” said Boone. For those skittish about large gatherings, the narthex is a good place to listen from and people “are welcome to wear masks,” she added.
“We also do a Holy Week Cantata,” said Boone. “The first performance is Good Friday, the second on Easter.”
Community Lutheran Church is located at 2275 Ricca Road, Bullhead City, between N. Oatman Rd. and upper Riverview Dr., and has ample parking for attendees of the Christmas Cantata and Festival of Music. Pastor Tim Eighmy will host a small reception after the Sunday performance. Admission is free. For more information, contact Community Lutheran Church at 928-763-2422.
Juliette Cowall
