Owatonna Concert Delivers Strong Holiday Spirit

Anyone that may have been short of holiday cheer entering the Owatonna High School auditorium Monday night, likely left with some extra zip in their step after a marvelous performance by the OHS Music Department. Owatonna's Carolers, Symphony Orchestra, and Concert Choir delivered another stellar show.

The Carolers opened the show with their usual selection of holiday standards. It seems to me the song selection remains the same each year, but with the enthusiasm the singers put into every carol, it feels new. The audience reacts the same way to the same parts of certain carols every time.

The Symphony Orchestra was under the direction of Sandra Justice and worked their way some very powerful pieces. Their selections included A Festive Fanfare, Bellingrath Gardens, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, and A Christmas Festival. The last piece offered a different interpretation compared to the Carolers on some of the same selections.

The Concert Choir took the stage with a number of performers who had already participated with the Carolers and orchestra. The pieces included Weinachten, Salvation is Created (done in Russian), Go Where I Send Thee with a spectacular solo by Lane Versteeg, Ubi Caritas, and Do You Hear What I Hear? with several instrumentalists adding to the effect.

Chris Harris directed the choir. Constance Goslar was the accompanist.

The performances can be heard on AM 1390 KRFO. The choir will air at 5 pm on Monday, December 23. The orchestra will air at 1 pm on Christmas Day. The Carolers can be heard at 5 pm on Christmas Day.

Music fans will want to mark down Saturday, January 11 on their calendar for the Music Boosters of Owatonna benefit concert. MBO supports all levels of music in the Owatonna School Distrcit.