The Christmas Singers gave the precious gift of music to an appreciative audience on Thursday, continuing a Yule tradition stretching back 31 years at the Morristown United Methodist Church.
This year’s configuration included R. Wayne Walters (bass), an original member of the quartet, and longtime member Patricia Ruggles (alto). Rounding out the foursome were newcomers Elena T. Bird (soprano) and Robert Long (tenor).
Video playlist: Click top left icon to toggle through seven videos:
Videos in Playlist:
2. There Shall Come Forth, by R. Wayne Walters
3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Church Music Director Sarah A. Michal (mezzo-soprano), who was one year old when The Christmas Singers debuted, joined them for several songs on Tuesday.
They were backed by Jennifer Yang, the church pianist / organist, and by Ruggles’ daughter, Mariam Whiting Bora, on recorder.
Highlights included There Shall Come Forth, composed by Walters, founder and conductor emeritus of the Morris Choral Society; a clever Merry Christmas, Mozart; and a sing-along on Joy to the World.
Slideshow photos by Kevin Coughlin. Click / hover on image for caption:
This annual treat is made possible in part by an endowment from the late author John T. Cunningham, in memory of Jackie Wiley; and by Morris Arts, in conjunction with the state Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.
