By Robin McKee Williams
The Monterey Peninsula Choral Society performed its Neo Noel contemporary choral concert directed by Desma Johnson on Saturday evening, December 12 at the Carmel Mission. This was an evening of rhythmic, upbeat international and inspirational Christmas music. Each choral selection had a fresh rhythmic idea which was accompanied by a variety of instrumentalists. The unique instrumental accompaniments included violin, euphonium, clarinet, flute, guitar, harp, trumpet, percussion and drums.
The eclectic first half of the program included songs from Ireland, Nigeria and P.D.Q. Bach. The program opened with Linda Spevacek’s “Irish Carol†as the choir proceeded energetically down the aisle to the front of the church. This charming entrance set the character of the lively concert to come. Cantate Gloria by Alan Bullard was sung a cappella with liveliness and vitality. Betelehemu, a Nigerian Christmas Song, arranged by Josh Gitomer, was scored for percussive instruments as well as polyrhythmic clapping and hand movements from the chorus. Several soloists from the chorus were featured, including Leslie Mulford’s  beautiful solo in “The Peace Carol†by Ron Harris, and Velvet Piini’s  lovely technique and style in Amy Grant’s “Breath of Heaven.†The humorous “Christmas Pipes†by Brendan Graham included kazoos played by the chorus interspersed with singing.
