For many in the Lake Oconee area, a highlight of the 2008 Christmas season may include wonderful memories of the combined musical performance of the Atlanta POPS! Orchestra and The Festival Choir of Lake Oconee Presbyterian Church. They provided an evening of beautiful seasonal music on Thursday, Dec. 11th.
Directed by David Ridenhour, associate pastor and director of worship and discipleship for Lake Oconee Presbyterian Church, the evening's program included familiar Christmas carols, Concerto Grosso (Christmas Concert) Opus 6, No.8 by Arcangelo Corelli, Symphony Number 5 in D Major by William Boyce, and selections from Messiah (HMV 56) by G. F. Handel.
Solos were performed by Susan Porter, alto, and Jennifer Ridenhour, Barb Rountree, and Liz Jackson, soparanos.
Banks of bright red poinsettias decorated the church giving a feeling of warmth and festivity. The elegant black gowns and handsome black tuxedoes added a touch of elegance to the orchestra and choir.
Following the concert, platters of beautiful cookies and cups of holiday punch were served in the church's Narthex.
Members of The Festival Choir included: Mrs. Ginger Blaylock; Mrs. Doris Bombich; Mrs. Rita Burge; John Hanson; Mrs. Jeanne Hesse; Mrs. Liz Jackson; Mrs. Nancy King; Mrs. Allyson Lakeman; Mrs. Sandy Manwaring; and Mrs. Dianne McAfee.
Also, Mrs. Janice Murphy; Harold Parker; Mrs. Teresa Parker; Mrs. Susan Porter; Tom Porter; Mrs. Jennifer Ridenhour; Mrs. Barb Rountree; Mrs. Carol Vinci; Dr. Joe Vinci; Mrs. Billie Will; Charlie Will, and Mrs. Linda Witchousky.
The production team included: David Ridenhour, artistic director; Dianne McAfee, assistant director; Debbie Kent, front of house manager; Nancy King, rehearsal accompanist; Leonard Altieri, Altieri & Associates, orchestra contractor; Cratemedia, graphic design; Cheryl Andrews, decorating; and JoAnne Delles and Rush Utley, sound and lighting.
Orchestra members included: Steven Leonard, concertmasters/violin I Jeanne Johnson, violin 1, Michel Volz II, and Dorothy Altieri, violin II; Leonard Lltieri, viola; Elizabeth Murphy, cello; and Marc Miller, bass.
Also, Kimberly Lorch, oboe; Fletcher Forehand, bassoon; Greg Coile, trumpet I; Jennifer Marotta, Trumpet II; Scott Douglas, timpanist; and Nancy King, keyboard.
The concert was a gift to the people of the Lake Oconee communities from Lake Oconee Presbyterian Church as a reminder that the Messiah has come and will come again.
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