Christmas spirit alive in Rosebud

Times Contributor 

 

Classical music and bluegrass usually aren’t mentioned in the same breath let alone performed in the same piece, but Vivaldi’s Gloria meets bluegrass was the capstone of the Christmas, American Style concert presented at the Rosebud Choir Concert last Sunday night Dec. 9.

The brainchild of conductor Bill Hamm, the unique arrangement of classical and bluegrass featured the Rosebud Masterworks Choir backed by a bluegrass ensemble featuring two violins, a viola, mandolin, guitar, banjo, bass and keyboard. While not the typical accompaniment for this number, this arrangement gave the appreciative audience a fresh perspective of the piece.

The festive evening began with the Rosebud Chorale presenting a medley of Jingle Bells, The Most Wonderful Day of the Year and Merry Christmas Darling, featuring soloists Stuart Giesbrecht and Naomi Esau.

The Rosebud Younger Company’s Christmas musical for children was “Once Upon a Starry Night” which delighted all ages in the audience. The cast’s energetic and enthusiastic performance showed the hours of work they put into the production.

A more traditional set of seasonal songs was presented by Rosa Cantorum, featuring I Wonder as I Wander, O the Saviour’s Coming, Jingle Bells, Alleluia, Mary Did You Know, and Go Tell It. 

The evening concluded with the combined choirs singing the fitting “God Bless Us, Everyone”. 

The Rosebud Church was filled to capacity, prompting Hamm to comment that this was the largest crowd he’d seen for the Christmas Choir Concert in several years.