KURT BESTOR, Abravanel Hall, Friday; additional performances through Wednesday (355-2787).
It was a night filled with peace and joy — filled with ringing bells and angelic voices, with good will and good humor — and above all, with music that stirred the senses and touched the heart.
This is the 15th year for Kurt Bestor's annual holiday concert, and no one does Christmas better. From the magical, starry stage setting to the featured musicians and orchestra, from the invited guests and Bestor's own playing, conducting and emceeing the show, to the arrangements that add such texture and layers to Christmas songs, Friday's opening-night concert was a delight from start to finish.
The show featured popular numbers from past years: "Let It Snow" (complete with falling white stuff), "O Holy Night" (with its exquisite flugelhorn) and, of course, " 'Twas The Night Before Christmas" (with a narrator invited from the audience, who always seems to be perfect for the job — and this year with a special surprise ending).
There were also new numbers, including a beautiful telling of the real Christmas story, with narration from Luke 2, and such carols as "First Noel," "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "Away in the Manger" and "We Three Kings," woven into a seamless, spiritual medley.
A musical tour of Christmas around the world not only shared traditions and common bonds, it highlighted the exceptional talents of musicians Daron Bradford (woodwind specialist on a Celtic "Star Carol"), guitarist Michael Dowdle (on the French "Bring a Torch") and the percussion section (on a lively Calypso "O Tannenbaum").
Special guest Liel Kolet, a 14-year-old singer from Tel Aviv, wowed the audience with her performances on the African style "Sage of Lamberene"/"Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" and an Israeli "Jerusalem: City of God." Kolet sang with both power and passion that belied her young years.
The Swiss Handbell Ringers, from Midway, also brought sparkle and excitement to such songs as "Carol of the Bells" and "March of the Wooden Soldiers." The International Children's Choir, singing from the balcony, added an ethereal touch to a number of carols, including "Joy to the World."
Bestor's own carol — it has become traditional to write a new one each year — focused on a desire for peace around the world. And that desire was repeated in the elegant "Silent Night/Ode to Joy" medley that provided an uplifting finish to the show.
All that remained was Bestor's moving, motivating encore, "Prayer of the Children," and the joyful and triumphant night was complete.
E-MAIL: carma@desnews.com