Director John Koza

The annual Christmas With The Camerata Singers, on December 16, is a program not to be missed and this afternoon’s concert at First Presbyterian Monterey was no exception. Under artistic director and conductor John Koza, these singers continue to prove their choral chops. One of the two numbers that was not in English, Z. Randall Stroope’s Resonet in Laudibus, crisply started off the first half with terrific diction. Minimal instrument accompaniment was used to the greatest effect in support of a variety of the following pieces. The assured harp playing of Ruthanne Adams Martinez beautifully supported a number of pieces starting with Stephen Paulus’ Hallelu. Three more Paulus numbers throughout the afternoon also benefited from Martinez’ lovely accompaniment. Read full story →

The Hartnell Community Choir presented its winter concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, December 16, at Church of the Wayfarer in Carmel. The choir, conducted by Robin McKee Williams, performed Dona Nobis Pacem by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Salve Regina by Arvo Pärt, Let Peace Then Still the Strife by Mack Wilberg and Always Something Sings by Dan Forrest. Dona Nobis Pacem was the main choral and orchestral work. David Dally’s Monterey Strings Orchestra accompanied the choir and soloists. Pamela Scholz, harp, Greg Bullock, timpani, and Kevin Jordan, trumpet, were also be featured instrumentalists. Read full story →