I was delighted to collaborate with the choirs and instrumentalists at St. Michael the Archangel for their Lessons & Carols service! Along with playing harp solos, I accompanied the adult choir. The children’s choir and handbells were also featured, along with an oboist and the church pianist and organist.
The service was held at the historic downtown chapel, which had marvelous acoustics. All of the musicians performed from the organ balcony at the back of the sanctuary (which did pose some challenges for harp moving!). Harp prelude welcomed parishioners into the church, and everyone joined for the opening hymn, “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” followed by the handbell choir playing “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.”
The choir sang “My Soul in Stillness Waits,” “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” and “He Shall be Called.” They then performed the Stephen Paulus arrangement of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” to the accompaniment of harp and oboe. The choir continued with “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” and the Arcadelt setting of “Ave Maria.”
The children’s choir sang the next three selections, “Hodie Christus Natus Es,” “Personet Hodie,” and “Star Light, Star Bright.” The adult choir returned for the Peter J. Wilhousky arrangement of “Carol of the Bells.” For the next piece, “O Holy Night,” the choir and soloists were accompanied by harp and oboe. The final choral selection was Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” from The Messiah.
To conclude the service, the congregation once again joined in singing the carol “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” After that, it was time to get the harp back DOWN the stairs! With a very tight turn, high railing, and narrow steps, I wasn’t able to navigate it with the harp on the cart – so it had to be hand-carried up and over the railing to make the turn and then down to ground level. A bit scary to watch, but I really appreciate my helpers (and my harp insurance!) – this was not a one-person job!
Along with solo harp performances, I love working with other instrumentalists and vocalists! At Christmas or any time of the year, adding a harp to your worship service infuses it with peace and serenity. I also play for weddings and other events in Findlay and throughout Ohio. Visit my website – Findlay Ohio Harpist – to get in touch and start discussing your musical ideas!
