By Kathy Wadenpfuhl
Special to The PREVIEW
St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church is the host of The Heralds of Christmas concerts. Pagosa Springs Instrumental Music Society(PSIMS) is the sponsor of these concerts. The sanctuary at St. Patrick’s will be beautifully decorated by the aesthetically talented Richard and Carol Larsen. The Larsens bring a beautiful Christmas setting to these concerts.
This year’s concerts will feature three of Pagosa Springs’ premier vocalists: Robert Neel, an incredible tenor; Brandye Kiker, the most pure soprano voice you have ever heard; and Brandye’s daughter, Gracelyn, an adorable alto.
Sally Neel, St. Patrick’s music director, will be very busy at the organ and piano. In addition to Neel, Venita Burch, accompanist for the Pagosa Springs High School music program and a piano and voice teacher, will also be warming the piano bench. These talented ladies are both blessings to the Pagosa Springs musical world. They have both practiced many hours with the solos and ensembles for The Heralds of Christmas performances.
While Pagosa Brass is the “anchor” ensemble for Heralds, attendees will also hear the talents of Jarrett Chaney on clarinet, Malinda Burnett on saxophone, Susy Mekeal and Kathy Wadenpfuhl on flute, Heidi Tanner on violin, and Glynis Tanner and Karen Mesikapp on trumpet.
Also offered again this year is the Heralding Angel Tree, in which the concert attendees have an opportunity to purchase a variety of “needs” for instrumental music students in Pagosa Springs. The “needs” are attached to an ornament that the public can take as a gift for their donation. The donations will go directly to the student and range in price from $6 to $250. What a lovely Christmas present for a promising instrumental student in our own Pagosa Springs.
The Heralds of Christmas Chamber Concerts are this coming Sunday, Dec. 16, at 3 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. Tickets are selling rapidly. If you have yet to purchase tickets, they can be purchased from Bookends, the Chamber of Commerce, Airport Self Storage and Choke Cherry Tree. Cash or check purchases only. Tickets will possibly be available at the door, but both concerts were sold out last year. If tickets are available at the last minute, you can call (409) 720-7445 for will call.
