Mount Pulaski presents Christmas cantata

[December 20, 2011]  MOUNT PULASKI -- It was easy to get into the Christmas spirit on Sunday in Mount Pulaski with another excellent community cantata performance -- choir and orchestra -- with 38 members of community churches. The group is made up of participants from First Christian, St. John's Lutheran, St. Thomas Aquinas, United Methodist and Zion Lutheran and richly complemented by several non-Pulaski musicians.

It was the cantata's third occasion this year, with performances at the town's 175th anniversary -- the quartoseptcentennial -- in July and at the "twin tower 9/11" observance during the annual fall festival in September. This time, its encore concert was at the Mount Pulaski First Christian Church, in front of another large crowd, and was superbly directed by Beth Myrick Anderson, filling in for Claus Tanner, who is currently undergoing successful medical treatments.

Anderson remarked that "it was a fun one" -- due to "so many excellent vocalists and instrumentals." Rigoberto Ernst belted out music from "Prepare the Way of the Lord," and Heather Fricke did likewise with "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)." Other selections were "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," "Mary, Did You Know," "No Eye Had Seen," "One Small Child," "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "O Holy Child of Bethlehem." "Silent Night! Holy Night!" and "Emmanuel, God with Us" brought to a close the wonderful hour of Christmas music performed by local adults -- young, middle-aged and of senior citizen vintage.

During this holiday season, which traditionally features so many wonderful musical performances by grade and high school children, it was delightful to see and hear what Mount Pulaski's adult friends have been practicing and performing off and on for so many years.

In addition to Anderson, there was the participation of at least three other accomplished Logan County vocal and instrumental directors: Jaime Ernst, Harry Hild and Dave Helm -- all Mount Pulaskians at one time or another.

The narrators were Mary Ann Radtke and Don Maxheimer, who read the customary interpretations and readings of selected Scripture references which provided much of the background for the Christmas music performed.

A free-will collection was taken to help offset the expenses of the event.

Appreciation should be given to Pastors Rachel Stockle of Mount Pulaski United Methodist and Mark Weber of Mount Pulaski First Christian, who spearheaded the occasion.

[By PHIL BERTONI]