For 81 years, the Monday Musical Club of Southwest Michigan has been presenting a Christmas Vespers Service. This was the first year that the event included harp music!
Held at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in St. Joseph, hundreds of people filled the sanctuary to hear an afternoon of beautiful Christmas music. An organ prelude started the service, followed by “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” on the harp. The Musical Club’s chorus sang “Carol of the Bells” to piano and violin accompaniment, and led the group in a sing-along of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” and “Away in a Manger.”
The chorus then performed “Little Drummer Boy,” which was followed by a reading of the Christmas story. During the story, I played “Silent Night” softly in the background. Two more songs from the chorus (“Wexford Carol” and “O Holy Night”), and then a set of less-familiar Christmas pieces on the harp: “Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella,” “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,” “The Holly and the Ivy,” and “I Wonder as I Wander.”
The pianist, Anthony Beer, played two selections, and then everyone stood to join in on Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” It was a beautiful start to the Christmas season, and I was thrilled to be a part of the tradition!
For weddings, concerts, church services, and parties throughout Southwest Michigan, I am available to enhance any event with live harp music. Visit my website ~ Southwest Michigan Harpist ~ for more information!
