THE CROWD:

On Christmas Day, this reporter is pleased to write that beauty and love still exist in the world. Earlier this week at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa, the Pacific Chorale presented its Christmas concert conducted by Artistic Director John AlexanderJohn Alexander. It was an evening of majesty and grace, as close to 200 voices in the Pacific Chorale in addition to the angelic sounds of the Southern California Children’s Chorus, the instrumental music of the Pacific Symphony and members of the Los Altos United Methodist Carillon Ringers joined together transforming the concert hall into a cathedral.

A young couple sitting next to me in the box circle held hands throughout the performance, which began with Benjamin Brittien’s “Hodle” from a “Ceremony of Carols Op 28.” A special arrangement “Adeste Fideles” (“O’ Come All Ye Faithful”) was performed along with an emotional rendition of “Ave Maria” as well as a rousing selection of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Incorporated in the concert was the organ recently debuted and donated by William Gillespie of Laguna Beach. The talented and gracious Lori Loftus performed on the enormous instrument, which served as a backdrop for special lighting effects projected onto the multistory tall pipes, beginning with snowflakes and concluding with the projection of the religious icon of the Star of Bethlehem as the ensemble performed “O Holy Night.”

The event marked 41 years of a musical legacy in Orange County by the Pacific Chorale. For many it has been a lifelong journey of spiritual dedication to the music, to the large family of those committed, and on a higher plane to a religious connection with the Creator. The erudite and soft-spoken Alexander kept his comments to a minimum, allowing the music to speak for itself. Returning from intermission he donned a Christmas red bow tie, cummerbund and bright red socks grabbing the attention of the sold-out audience.

And speaking of red, Santa appeared at the back of the orchestra level and “ho ho ho’d” through the crowd passing out candy and blowing kisse,s ultimately joining Alexander and the entire musical troupe onstage as “Jingle Bells” livened up the performance. A sentimental rendition of “The First Nowell” brought tears to many in attendance, but the mood was swiftly taken upbeat by the lively performance of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time Of The Year.” The concert hall was on its feet as Handel’s “Hallelujah!” from “Messiah” brought the evening to its near finish. In classic tradition, “Silent Night” was performed to close the Christmas concert.

Pacific Chorale produces one main annual fundraiser around the holidays. This season, following the show, patrons walked across the courtyard to the Center Club to enjoy an after-concert dinner themed around “A Dickens’ Feast.” The evening was chaired by the lovely Anne B. Nutt. Guests entered the club passing a forest of snow-covered twinkling Christmas trees to be met by wait staff with white glove service of holiday spirits. Nutt was assisted by Margaret Gates, Janice Johnson, Jan Landstrom, Randi Larsen, Ann Morris, Betsy Moulton, Alina Mircea-Trota, and Erin Bond in creating a charming Christmas dinner. Center Club tables were festooned with wreaths of holly adorned with an old English lantern with flickering candlelight.

As a first course of curried butternut squash soup was served, Kimberly Bernatz, board chairwoman of the Pacific Chorale, greeted the crowd and was joined by Kelly Ruggirello, president and chief executive of the Chorale and John Alexander offering welcoming remarks and gratitude. Major donors included Mary and Phillip Lyons, Valerie and Hans Imhof, Robin Fish, Sharon and Harvey Fair, Linda and Kent Falk, Sara McFerrin, Vina and Tom Slattery, and Margaret and Larry Gates. Also front and center for the Chorale were Ron Gray, Margie and Martin Hubbard, Jan and John Landstrom, Janice Johnson, and Nutt.

Performers from the Pacific Chorale, dressed as Victorian carolers, entertained as a main course of herb-roasted Cornish game hen was served. Gretchen and Bill Valentine, Carolyn and Bill Hardy, John and Marcia Cashion, Jerry Harrington, Phil McWilliams, Joann Waldron, Al Roberts and Ken Jillson, and David and Darrellyn Melilli shared Christmas conversation. Enjoying the dinner were newlyweds Lou and Rosalie Delmonico, married over the Thanksgiving holiday. A dessert of warm cinnamon bread pudding with brandy sauce, whipped cream and fresh mint ended the evening.

At a time when it seems like so much of the world we know is in a state of dramatic flux, this one night in Costa Mesa, four days before Christmas, reaffirmed the value of fine old tradition. The warmth of the concert and dinner offered both a level of security and a sense of rising to an elevated level of human interaction where spectacular music and beautiful voices send a message, that in the midst of chaos, all can still be right with the world. We must all make the choice to take the elevated path to this lofty destiny. A Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah to all. The message is clear: Love and goodwill is the ultimate gift. Fill your lives with joy and make sure you spread it and share it with others on Christmas Day and all throughout the year ahead.

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