November 26, 2011 The Carols of Christmas

After only a few rehearsals on a Saturday morning throughout November, I sang in an inspirational program of choral and instrumental music presented by local members of the Wilmington Delaware stake.

The conductor was Dr. Neil Harmon, Director of Music and Organist at Grace United Methodist Church in Wilmington, Delaware where he directs a distinguished music program. A graduate (MM, DMA) of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, Dr. Harmon has presented organ concerts in the United States, Italy and Brazil.

A native of Midvale, Utah, Dr. Harmon earned his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University, where he was assistant director of the renowned BYU Men's Chorus and organist for the Utah Baroque Ensemble. He taught over 50 beginning organ students in the Group Organ classes at BYU. Since 1991, Dr. Harmon has served as Guest Organist at the Salt Lake Mormon Tabernacle where he presents half hour recitals on the famous Aeolian-Skinner organ.
Dr. Harmon's compositions include hymn arrangements and original works for a variety of instruments. He is serving a second term as Dean of the Delaware Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, and as the Worship and Music Chair of the Delaware Chapter of the American Choral Directors' Association.

Pianist Rebecca Mordo, a touring solo and collaborative artist working closely with opera singers from renowned companies such as the Metropolitan Opera and Opera Company of Philadelphia

Nathan Pacheco is an American singer/songwriter born in Virginia, and is of Brazilian descent. He was a featured vocalist during the 2009 tour for "Yanni Voices"[1], produced by Disney Pearl Imprint, and is currently signed to the Disney Pearl Series label.[2]
Nathan graduated from the music program of Brigham Young University, and also followed his love of culture and languages by continuing his education abroad in South America and Europe. Nathan spent over two years in Brazil, being immersed in its culture and allowing its influence to contribute to his musical development. He eventually traveled throughout Brazil, performing both classical as well as some of Brazil’s cultural music. He also spent time in Italy, studying the language while performing with the Opera Festival of Lucca. In all of these adventures to different countries, he was relentless in his efforts to learn the languages. The result is his ability to speak and compose in English, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish.

In 2009, Nathan relocated to Southern California after being signed to the Disney Pearl Series label and has been writing the songs that will make up his debut solo album. Nathan has collaborated with many writers under the direction of producer/composer Leo - Z (Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban). For his album, Nathan recorded with the Philharmonia Orchestra in London at Air Studios.

Kathy Cammett, of Golden Voice Studio in Pike Creek, who has worked with Cab Calloway School of the Arts, OperaDelaware and World Cafe Live.

Baritone Robert Brandt, professor of music at the University of Delaware, and his wife, soprano Kara Brandt, recent winner of the Austrian American Society of Wilmington's Mozarteum Scholarship competition.

Our program consisted of the following numbers:

Choir
Far, Far Away on Judea's Plains
Glory Be to God on High

Vocal Solo
Gesu Bambino

Piano Duet
Carol Medley

Orchestra
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring

Choir
Joseph, Dearest
Angels We Have Heard on High

Orchestra
Medley of Familiar Christmas Carols
Pat-A-Pan

Vocal Duet
Oh Holy Night Kara Brandt soprano; Robert Brandt, bariton

Piano Solo
Medley: Carols of the Bells Rebecca Mordo, piano

Vocal Solo
O Come All Ye Faithful Nathan Pacheco, tenor

Choir
I Heart the Bells on Christmas Day
Still, Still, Still

Hymn : Hark the Herald Angels Sing (All Choir/Concert Participants & Audience)