The Fall River Valley Community Choir gave a wonderful performance of the Christmas cantata, “Go Tell It on the Mountain” at the Burney Presbyterian Church on Sunday afternoon, December 11.
The Fall River Valley Community Choir singing to a full congregation at the Burney Presbyterian Church
The church was full with more than 100 people present. The program began at 3 p.m. Reverend Penni Elaine and her two grandchildren, Ashlynn and Jason Carl, welcomed the community to the church and Rev. Elaine said an opening prayer.
She then introduced Alison Maki, the director of the Choir, who led the congregation in singing “Angels We Have Heard on High.”
Go Sing It on the Mountain
Maki then directed the choir in a perfect performance. Linda Gulbranson accompanied the singers on the piano. Rev. Elaine and Mike Kerns provided the narration as the singers sang nine selections that took the listeners on a devotional musical journey proceeding from the messianic prophecies of Isaiah, though the annunciation, to the nativity, and finally to the proclamation of the joyful news of the birth of Christ to the world.
The Christmas cantata “Go Tell it on the Mountain” was composed by Pepper Choplin incorporating mountain melodies, folk hymns, spirituals, familiar carols, and original music.
The concert included the following solo, duet, and trio performances:
Michal Martin: “A Child Is Gonna Come,”
Melanie Kerns and Bill Johnson: “Call His Name Jesus,”
Melanie Kerns and Bill Johnson singing Call His Name Jesus
Karen Adams and Jean Rodgers: “Hush Little Baby,”
Karen Adams singing Hush Little Baby
Jean Rogers singing Hush Little Baby
Jean Rodgers, Penny Rodgers, Melanie Kerns (trio): “Angel Band,”
and A.J. Weinhold: “Star Eternal.”
A. J. Weinhold singing Star Eternal
At the conclusion of the cantata, the entire congregation joined their voices together to sing “Silent Night.”
Uplifted by the wonderful music, the people were then treated to delicious cookies prepared by Katharine Ann Campbell as they shared fellowship in the foyer.
Fellowship after the performance
The Fall River Choir worked very hard for months to learn and practice this wonderful Christmas composition. They had performed it the day before at Intermountain Evangelical Free Church in McArthur. Rev. Maki said that they aspire to achieve the highest level of performance that they can. She said that she hopes that those with open hearts can feel God’s spirit through the music.
Mission accomplished. It was a heavenly experience that truly shared the message of Christmas.
