HOHOHO in MONROE (Concert at Mt. Pleasant)

Monday December 16, 2019, I made my fourth visit to Ohio Living Mount Pleasant Campus to play a CHRISTMAS ORGAN CONCERT on the Allen Millenium Four Manual Digital Organ.  Even though the weather outside was “frightful”, the audience was delightful and ready for some holiday cheer. 

The first half of the program was familiar carols which the audience joined in singing.  Dan Miller’s arrangement of Hark! The Herald allowed a full range of both organ and orchestral sound for a joyous beginning.  We moved to O Come Emmanuel with me conducting the audience in singing the verse in a chant-like style with only pedal, chime and zimbelstern accompaniment followed by David Lowe’s beautiful setting.  The middle section uses a Vaughn Williams-like “faux-bourdon” effect with orchestral strings and celesta in parallel motion with the melody on a 4’ pedal flute.  This was followed by a luxuriant setting of Yon’s Gesu Bambino.  Next, Carol of the Bells taking advantace of Allen’s multiple second voice percussions.  The first half ended with Robert’s God Rest Ye Merry.  Of particular note is the first appearance of the melody on a small solo reed accompanied by a lute from Allen’s MIDI Expander module. 

After a short intermission, SANTA RODNEY made an appearance for some holiday fun.  Including wonderful audience participation in dramatizing the twelve days of Christmas.  The evening of fun ended with some Christmas “pickin’ and grinnin’” with a little Jingle Bells, White Christmas and We Wish You a Merry Christmas.  Colorful Christmas Cookies were a real treat following the program.