This Is Christmas: Gouverneur Community Chorus performs cantata

by Rachel Hunter

The triumphant sounds of the holiday season thrilled the North Country community at the Gouverneur Community Chorus Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 15 at the First Presbyterian Church of Gouverneur.

A word of welcome was given by Gouverneur Community Chorus Conductor Paul Buell of Gouverneur, and an opening prayer of blessing was given by the Rev. Carrie Demers of the First Presbyterian Church of Gouverneur.

The concert opened with performances from the North Country Brass, which has had several performances in Gouverneur over the years. Mr. Buell introduced the group and said the following: “The North Country Brass provides some really strong brass music,” Mr. Buell said. “Brass instruments to me are at the heart of really good Christmas music because they are up and cheerful, and very bright. There’s no greater season in the world than the Christmas season.” Among the selections performed were “Silent Night” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” Thunderous applause sounded in appreciation of the special musical selections.

All then were treated to a powerful acapella vocal performance of “Sweet Little Jesus Child” from Kathleen Buell of Gouverneur. Thunderous applause sounded in appreciation of the classic holiday selection.

The Riverside Brass Quartet featured Paul Buell of Gouverneur (trumpet), Andrew Crecco (trombone), Glenn Roberts (trumpet), and Peter Popiel (tuba). The quartet performed “Rondeau” by Mouret, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” by Runyan, “And The Glory of the Lord” from Handel’s Messiah, “Three Christmas Chorales” by Sheidt, and “Chorale and Fugue” by Bach. Thunderous applause sounded in appreciation of the classical, hymn and carol selections.

The Gouverneur Community Chorus then performed the cantata, “This Is Christmas,” by Mary McDonald. The Gouverneur Community Chorus formed about eight weeks ago, and has been practicing weekly for the auspicious occasion. The Gouverneur Community Chorus is conducted by Paul Buell of Gouverneur, and accompanied by Kathleen Buell of Gouverneur (organist) and Beth Johnson of Gouverneur (pianist). The vocalists included: Corey Brock, Karen Brungard, Jamie D’Addario, Carrie Demers, Brandon Griffin, Paige McCrea, Jackson Ritchie, Lori Ritchie, Rachel Schroeder, Don Schuessler, Glenda Schuessler, Dede Scozzafava, Marla Shampine, Susie Spilman, and Gail Thomas.  In this cantata, the story of Christmas was told through familiar carols, inspired original melodies, and thoughtful narration. The cantata was expertly narrated by Carol Amberg of Gouverneur. The cantata included nine musical selections: “This Is Christmas Love,” “Rejoice! Emannuel,” “He Shall Be Called” (Featuring Soloists Dede Scozzafava, Rachel Schroeder, Jamie D’Addario, and Corey Brock), “Glory Shone Around,” “He Is Born, The Holy Child,” “Sleep In Peace Tonight,” “This Is The Child, This Is The King,” “Repeat The Sounding Joy,” and “This Is Christmas Love (Reprise).” Thunderous applause sounded in appreciation of the Gouverneur Community Chorus’ talented cantata performance.

“What a great job they did,” Mr. Buell said. “I am so proud of what they were able to accomplish in only about eight weeks. They have put together a remarkably good show. For a choir of this size, I am terribly proud of them.”

The North Country also enjoyed Kathleen Buell’s stirring vocal solo of Schubert’s “Ave Maria.” Mrs. Buell also performed an organ solo of “Come, Savior of the Gentiles” by Johann Pachelbel.

A carol sing was enjoyed by all, included holiday favorites such as: “The First Noel,” “Joy To The World,” among others.

“Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the choir and the instrumentalists in the North Country Brass and the Riverside Brass Quartet, I’d like to thank you all for your generous applause,” Mr. Buell said. “It is a great pleasure to present this Christmas program to you each year. This is a labor of love for all of these individuals. They spend weekend after weekend putting this together, and have done so now for many, many years…”

The concert concluded with the much-loved carol, “Silent Night.” The song was first performed at a Christmas Eve service over 200 years ago, in 1818 in the village of Salzburg, Austria. The carol, however, began it life as a poem, written by Father Joseph Mohr.

A standing ovation was given for the Gouverneur Community Chorus, the North Country Brass and the Riverside Brass Quartet at the conclusion of the concert. Wishes for a “Merry Christmas” were shared as the North Country enjoyed a brief time of fellowship. Much appreciation was extended to all those who made the event possible. Mr. Buell encouraged anyone interested to join the 2025 Gouverneur Community Chorus. Student-vocalists from local school districts are invited to participate. For more information, contact the First Presbyterian Church of Gouverneur at 315-287-0560.