Flute, organ, and bells join a full throated Christmas celebration of the 45 voice Bluff Country Singers under the direction of Elliott Grandall and accompanied by Suz Eberle on Sunday, December 9 at 2 p.m and 7 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 805 S Broadway Ave, Spring Valley, (507) 346-7251.
“Sing We Now of Christmas” starts off the first joyous set, followed by the inspirational “Where Shepherds Lately Knelt;” then a “Carol of the Bells” and “Ring the Christmas Bells” provide counter point to the traditional “In Dulci Jubilo.” Spirits will soar while flutist Renee Lechner interprets the majesty of a Jamie Mulfinger arrangement of the G.F. Handel version of “Joy to the World” and spines will tingle to “Toccata on ‘Veni Emmanuel’” with David Grandall on the sumptuous Our Savior’s pipe organ.
The chorus returns for “Ding Dong Merrily on High,” “Sleigh Ride,” and “All is Well”; preparing the way for “I Have Seen the Light” led by the trio of Myron Allen, Alex Michenfelder and Doc Lyon. A freewill offering will be taken with proceeds going to help purchase music for future concerts; while the audience helps with “Joy to the World” and enjoys solo soprano Amanda Geer in “O Holy Night.”
The chorus, piano, and organ insure that none are left out of the Christmas spirit, leaving no doubt with “Jesus What a Wonderful Child,” “Candlelight Carol,” “Celtic Christmas Blessing,” and a “Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain.”
This season’s Bluff Country Singers
Soprano: Robin Breckenridge, Hisako Eppen, Pam Freet, Sally Jeske, Renee Lechner, Myrna Legried, Carol Lenz, Liz Newberg, Linda Niemeyer, Darlene Popadak, Gail Rollie, Allie Wolf, and Judy Wille.
Alto: Deb Dahl, Loretta Ascheman, Karen Grandall, Annette Johnson, Amanda Geer Janet Kappers, Jenna Moon, Sue Krahn, Julie Mlinar, Pam Nelson, Ellen Rollie, Carol Gross, and Carol Skare.
Tenor: Myron Allen, Marcy Capelle, Harlan Eickhoff, Kelvin Niemeyer, Alex Michenfelder, Garry Post, Jake Stacken, Nancy Stender, Naomi Stukey, Skip Vogel, and Bradyn Wollford.
Bass: Jon Dahl, Dick Jahn, Kirby Johnson, Doc Lyon, John Martinka, Jeff Thauwald, and Reese Wolf.
The Bluff Country Singers are devoted to performing music of all types with annual Christmas and spring concerts. The next spring concert will be April 7, 2019. Area musicians interested in joining Bluff Country Singers are invited to contact Elliott Grandall at (507) 346-7882 or edgrandall@centurytel.net
Leave a Reply