Orchestra, choir present ‘Huntsville Christmas Festival’
HUNTSVILLE, MADISON – A celebration of the sounds and sights of the season will welcome the public to attend the 13th annual Huntsville Christmas Festival.
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Huntsville and Madison present the annual concerts.
Concerts to celebrate the joyful birth of Jesus Christ will be presented on both Dec. 9 and 10. Guests can choose from one of four 45-minute concerts that feature an 80-voice choir and 40-piece orchestra.
Another component of the festival will take guests on an inspirational walk through four Live Nativity scenes for 30 minutes before and after each concert. After the Live Nativity, guests can take a few moments to view a small display of beautiful Nativity sets, handmade quilts and Christmas decorations.
The Christmas festival will be presented at 1804 Sparkman Drive NW in Huntsville. Concert times are Dec. 9 at 4 and 6 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 4 and 6 p.m.
In the orchestra, two violinists show the musicians’ range in backgrounds. Mac Otis, 76 years old, and 12-year-old Sam Moore are the oldest and youngest violinists performing in this year’s Christmas Festival.
Malcom ‘Mac’ Otis of Huntsville came to North Alabama in 1982 in the U.S. Army. In his youth, he played French horn and took piano lessons; however, at 61 years old, he decided on some lifestyle changes.
Otis considered the violin but didn’t know if it was a good fit, so he rented one to try it on for size. Fifteen years later, Mac now is an enthusiastic-and-ready violinist who has been practicing this year’s Christmas music since September.
Otis enjoys performing side by side with 12-year-old Sam. “It does my heart good to see young people appreciating the arts through music,” Otis said.
Moore joined the orchestra this year. He moved to Madison when he was five years old and has been taking violin lessons since then. Sam also plays trombone in Liberty Middle School Band.
Even with a 64-year age difference between the two violinists, Moore said rehearsals have been fun and he looks forward to performing together in the Christmas festival. “At first, it was intimidating,” Sam said. “But once I got used to it, it’s not as hard as it seems. In fact, it’s a lot of fun!”
Orchestra Manager Mallory Nuzman said, “This has been a wonderful opportunity to get to know so many talented people in our community — of all ages. I cannot wait to share and receive the Christmas Spirit with everyone participating and coming to enjoy the festival. Please come celebrate with us and pass along the peace and joy that this season brings.”
Otis and Moore are among hundreds of volunteers who willingly share their time and talents with the community each year.
At the concerts, guests will hear beautiful, classic Christmas music sung by the choir with orchestra accompaniment. This event is free to the public; no donations are requested or accepted. Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.
For reservations, visit www.huntsvillechristmasfestival.org.
