Bethel Community Choir plans musical

The Bethel Community Choir will present a Christmas musical during the Down Home Christmas weekend with two performances. They are set for 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 6 at Bethel United Methodist Church located on Plane Street in Bethel.

“The Promise of Light is a musical celebration of God’s gift of eternal light to mankind,” said musical director Rhonda Bennett. “The original music is blended with traditional Christmas Carols and songs to tell the timeless story of the birth of Christ, the light of the world.”

A special addition to this musical is the four-hand piano, played by Irina Hall and Elaine Ellis, two classically trained pianists. Hall received her master of arts degree in piano performance from Oral State Conservatory in Russia. Ellis, with similar training, has a master of arts degree from Ohio State University in piano pedagogy. Hall not only serves as pianist for Bethel United Methodist Church, but also teaches private piano and voice students. Ellis is an intervention specialist at Monroe Elementary School in the New Richmond School District.

"Eric Brink and Laurea Grause will be utilizing a variety of percussion instruments during the performance," said Bennett. "Pam Allen plays the synth keyboard to provide lush string sounds giving the traditional music a stirring new feel."

The hand bell choir, under the direction of Lee Anne Richter will add to the sounds of the program.

According to Bennett, the musical production will feature 47 voices representing nine area churches.

The public is invited to attend this free presentation. A love offering will benefit the Bethel Ministerial Association. Babysitting will be provided and refreshments will be served following both performances.

For more information, call Bethel UMC at (513) 734-7201.