by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
PEMBROKE — The performance was amazing. Do you know what it’s like to expect one thing…and the exact opposite happens?
This is what I was expecting to see: People singing Christmas carols and hymns while standing on a platform that resembled a Christmas tree; to be bored after the first few songs. I mean, when you’ve heard one song, you’ve heard them all…right?
I WAS SO WRONG!
If you haven’t figured it out yet, I attended a performance of the Singing Christmas Tree in Pembroke. While I have lived in Whitewater Region since 2003, I have never been to a performance. When Hazel, a neighbour and fellow church-member, said she used to go with her husband when he was alive, I suggested she and I go together.
I thought I was doing her a favour.
Wrong…she was actually doing me a favour…and neither of us knew it.
Hazel and I had a front-row pew, and yes pew is the correct word, because the event is held in the Pembroke Pentecostal Church. It was packed during the opening performance, which was Saturday evening, Dec. 10.
When it ended, I was thinking the performance was only an hour long. I was surprised to see it was about 90 minutes.
But, there wasn’t just singing. The Singing Christmas Tree band was excellent. Pianist Merri-Lynn Raddatz was just to the right of me. I could have turned the pages for her. When the performance was over, and people were leaving, the band performed another tune and three young girls came and watched Ms. Raddatz on the piano. They were so enthralled. I must admit … so was I.
There was also a drama, which was created by Hilary Moss. The play was performed on stage, but in acts, with the choir and band participating.
One of the highlights for me was when Stephanie Schizkoske performed You Raise Me Up. I’m glad I video-taped it…I’ve listened to it many times. Ms. Schizkoske has a beautiful and rich voice.
Another highlight was the lighting. The Christmas tree lights performed with the music. It’s amazing how much more powerful the singing was with the pulsing of the Christmas lights.
While I have highlighted two people from the performance of more than 100 people, please know that throughout the event, the singing was amazing as was the playing of the instruments.
There are people involved with this performance from 20 different churches…including a few from Whitewater Region.
The songs performed included Angels from the Realms of Glory; Joy to the World; O Little Town of Bethlehem; You Raise Me Up, Come Thou Long Expected Jesus and Mary Did you Know.
I am no music critic. I wasn’t expecting to write about this performance in the newspaper. But, I wanted to share this performance with the readers because it’s one not to be missed. I believe every person should see this performance at least once. If I heard correctly, this was the 26th year for the event.
It’s now three days after the performance for me, and my heart still does little palpitations when I recall the night. It was 90 minutes of a Saturday night that I will never regret.
Will I go back? Most definitely!
