By JOHN R. STANARD
"SMALL, Dancing LIGHT," a major sacred choral piece for the Advent and Christmas seasons, will be presented by the First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir on Saturday, Dec. 9.
Augmented by guest singers and a 15-piece orchestra, the Chancel Choir will perform the work by noted composer Taylor Scott Davis at 7 p.m. in the church sanctuary at 500 N. Main St. Conducted by First Methodist Music Director Pamela Howard Becker, the cantata will feature baritone soloist Coulton Becker, a member of the University Singers at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Composer Davis described his task of setting to music writer Terry York's text as "incredibly daunting. How does one capture a small, dancing light?" York's original text focuses on the themes of anticipation and revelation. His word images point toward the "small, dancing light" of Baby Jesus in the manger.
"We are curators of this incredible story (of Jesus' birth)," Davis wrote in his "note from the composer" at the beginning of the choir score. "So it is my hope that "SMALL, Dancing LIGHT" is a creative, unique and challenging way to help both choir and congregation approach this Christmas season."
Included in the work are three settings of familiar Christmas carols for choir and congregation, including "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and "Joy to the World."
Orchestra members will include piano, Robin Till; violins, Andrew Bailey and Laura Ryan; viola, Alex-Anne Troxel; cello, Abigail Sage; bass, Nicholas Smentkowski; flutes, Jenna Whitworth and Ruth Ann Newman; oboe, Cindy White; clarinet, Shannon Dakin; bassoon, Tony Hasek; French horns, Ruth Garner and Betty Walden; percussion, William "Buddy" White, and harp, Chadie Fruehwald.
Composer Davis serves as the director of music and worship at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Plano, Texas. A notable alumnus of Centenary College of Louisiana, Davis is in high demand across the country and has received composition commissions from a wide variety of musical groups. His music has been performed throughout the U.S., Europe, South America and South Africa, as well as by England's critically acclaimed Voces8.
Ms. Becker and the Rev. David Stewart, lead pastor at First Methodist, invite the public to attend the free performance on Dec. 9. Ample parking is available and the sanctuary is fully handicapped accessible.