I really love Kurt Bestor's arrangements of Christmas music so his annual concert is one of my favorite traditions. I braved the crazy holiday traffic downtown last night and I am so glad that I did because it was such a lovely night. He began with "Sing We Noel," "Joy to the World," and "I Wonder as I Wander" then said that he was performing "Let It Snow" next as a prayer that we would get some snow soon because he wants to ski! He was joined by Alex Sharpe, a former member of Celtic Woman, for a beautiful performance of "In the Bleak Midwinter" (I really love Sarah McLachlan's version but this one gave me goosebumps). Sharpe has one of the clearest soprano voices I have ever heard and every note seemed to hover just above the audience so it was absolutely haunting. She continued with her arrangement of "Sleigh Ride" which was incredibly chaotic (in the best possible way) with key changes and time signature changes meant to mimic riding in a sleigh through the snow. It was really fun. Bestor continued with "All Through the Night" and then he played my favorite Christmas song, "O Holy Night," on fugelhorn (I always hope that he will play this). He concluded his first set with a rousing rendition of "Ding Dong Merrily On High" with Mairead Nesbitt, another former member of Celtic Woman, on fiddle. Her dynamic way of playing and moving around the stage was captivating to watch! At one point, she performed really high kicks as she played and Bestor tried to copy her while playing the bodhran with hilarious results. After the intermission, Bestor returned to the stage alone for "Coventry Carol" (another favorite). He was then joined by his band for "Christmas Time Is Here" featuring Michael Dowdle on guitar, Carlitos Del Puerto on bass, Eric Valentine (who had a wild afro) on drums, and Todd Sorenson on percussion, and by his orchestra for "Deck the Halls." I remember singing "Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella" every year when I was in the choir during college so I always love hearing it. Bestor's version is very stirring. Nesbitt returned to the stage for "Carol of the Bells" and then he continued with "What Child Is This?" A big tradition at this concert every year is for Bestor to perform 'Twas the Night Before Christmas with his own amusing orchestrations and a narrator chosen from the audience. This year he had Sharpe act as narrator because he loves her Irish accent. To say that she was a hoot would be an understatement! The concert concluded with a performance of "Silent Night" with Sharpe singing in Gaelic and Nesbitt accompanying her on fiddle. It was ethereal! Unfortunately, last night's concert was the final one but I highly recommend putting it on your radar for next year because it is always an amazing show!
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