Annual Cantata Is Held
The Monticello Presbyterian Church hosted the 91st community Christmas Cantata, An Appalachian Winter, Sunday, Dec. 13 under the direction of Lisa Kelly.
The Presbyterian bell choir and more than 60 musicians and choristers from local churches joined voices to present the hauntingly beautiful holiday songs characteristic of this hardscrabble mountain region.
“The community Christmas cantata has a long and rich tradition,” said Rev. Rindy Trouteaud. “It is a local ritual that points to something larger, grander, and more beautiful than we can possibly imagine—the indescribable miracle of new birth in a remote Palestinian village thousands of years ago.”
The Rev. Nathaniel Long, whose entire family participated in the cantata for the first time marvelled, “Can you imagine the salvation of the world beginning in such a backwoods place?”
Over 400 people came to the two performances of An Appalachian Winter. For those unable to attend, the second concert was videotaped and may be viewed on the Monticello Presbyterian Church’s FaceBook page, www.facebook.com/MonticelloPresbyterianChurch.
As one concert-goer said as she exited the sanctuary, “What a lovely, meaningful way to celebrate the wonder of the season and the beauty of living in a small community!
