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Zion UCC to Present its Annual Ecumenical Christmas CantataThe music department at Zion UCC will present its annual Christmas Cantata. This year’s selection is a special cantata that is sure to kick off your Christmas season! It is entitled “One Incredible Moment” with music from Tom Fettke and the written word by famous Christian writer, Max Lucado. It will be presented on Sunday, December 1st at 7:30 PM.
The first Sunday in the Advent Season is the perfect time to start your Holiday Journey and there is no better way to kick it off than with this program!
This cantata is new for this group of singers. The books were donated to Zion UCC from Calvary Baptist Church of Allentown. The orchestration was purchased with gifts from members of Zion’s Chancel Choir. This program is presented free of charge, and all are invited to attend. (A free will offering will be accepted to benefit the programs offered at Zion UCC).
There are approximately 60 singers who have been working on this cantata. “One Incredible Moment” tells the story of Christ’s birth through intriguing verses and beautiful songs that are both contemporary and traditional. It will be fully accompanied by Zion’s Festival orchestra.
The orchestra consists of twenty of the best and most experienced musicians from our area and beyond. Members include Jennifer Mann and Vicki Malloy on Flute, Bob Birch and Casi Reichard on Clarinet, Beth Cressley on bassoon, Brandon Cressley on Tenor Saxophone, Alex Gabriel and Nick Jaeschke on French Horn, Brian Eckert, Eliza Cressley and Roxie Person on trumpet, Brock Heckman, Peter Petrack and Jospeh Plechavy on Trombone. Our violin players include Sarah Fritz, Victoria Robles and Melissa Reph. Abby Ehrig will play viola parts (keyboard). The orchestra’s percussionist is Duane Reichard. Laura Reichard will preside over Zion’s historic Austin Organ and will also play piano and keyboard percussion and will offer solo works as well. Assistant rehearsal pianist for the group is Lizzie Rief.
The group will accompany the cantata and will also offer orchestra numbers that are sure to make your holiday season bright. Included are “What Child is This” arranged by Bob Cerulli and “Christmas Music for Orchestra” by John Cacavas which includes Adeste Fideles, Silent Night, Jolly Old St. Nicholas, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Away in a Manger, Twelve Days of Christ and Angels We have Heard on High. They will also Present “A Festival Fanfare” by Brian Balmages and “Rock the Bells” which is a rock and roll rendition of Jingle Bells. “Christmas at the Movies” , arranged by Bob Krogstad includes music from Miracle on 34th St., The Polar Express, Somewhere in My Memory, Making Christmas and Where Are you Christmas. “All is Calm,” a song based on Silent Night will feature Brandon Cressley with a Tenor Sax solo.
The cantata includes “One Incredible Moment (Opening)” featuring Dad Edmunds and Casi Reichard with a beautiful duet, “Majesty in the Midst of the Mundane,” and “Joseph: From One Father to Another” which features Dave Riegel as Joseph both telling his story and singing the solo in this song.
“Mary’s Prayer” features and features a monologue from Mary, portrayed by Robin Grohotolski which is followed by “Angels: No Ordinary Night,” “The Meek Were Kneeling” and “Simeon: Wide-eyed and Watching” which features Bill Gothard in the solo.
“Wise Men: Following the Star,” and “One Incredible Moment (finale)” round out this absolutely beautiful cantata.
The choir will also perform the anthem, “Little Town” which was made famous by Amy Grant. Zion’s Festival Orchestra will accompany this anthem as well.
The choir, consisting of members from many denominations and groups has been practicing weekly since October to prepare for this event. Kathy Long, known to many people as “Lehighton’s Storyteller” is the narrator for the event as she has been for many years.
Pastor Dean Frey of Zion UCC will offer a scripture reading and prayer prior to the presentation. The cantata and orchestra are under the musical and artistic direction of Bradly R. Cressley, director of music at Zion UCC.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
225 Iron St, Lehighton, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 18235
