Yamhill County Hosts Christmas Cantatas This December
Yamhill County is gearing up for its annual Community Christmas Cantatas this December. The event, which combines music, community spirit, and charity, is a highlight of the holiday season.
Event Details
This year’s Christmas Cantata series will run from December 7 to December 22. The theme, “Christmas Changes Everything,” reflects the event’s focus on community support amidst ongoing food insecurity.
Performance Schedule
- Amity Christian Church: December 7 at 4 p.m.
- First Baptist Church, Dayton: December 12 at 7 p.m.
- Seventh-day Adventist Church, McMinnville: December 14 at 6 p.m.
- Church of the Nazarene, Newberg: December 11 at 7 p.m.
- Joyful Servant Lutheran Church, Newberg: December 20 at 3 p.m. (livestream available on YouTube)
- St. John’s Catholic Church, Yamhill: December 21 at 4 p.m.
- St. James Catholic Church, McMinnville: December 22 at 7 p.m.
All performances will be accessible, featuring American Sign Language interpretation for the hearing impaired. Organizers encourage attendees to check with specific churches on performance status, especially in the event of inclement weather.
Fundraising Efforts
The cantatas serve as a fundraiser for the Yamhill Community Action Partnership food bank, seeking to add to the nearly $356,000 collected from previous seasons. Free will offerings will be accepted at each venue.
History of the Cantata
This year marks the 39th anniversary of the Community Christmas Cantatas in Yamhill County. The performance is known for its blend of contemporary and traditional Christmas music, narration, and orchestration.
Under the direction of Lee Schrepel, the choir gathers each October for months of preparation. Schrepel has led the choir for over 35 years, with nearly 60 participants contributing their talents.
Participants and Choir Composition
The production features:
- A six-part, nondenominational choir.
- A youth chorus.
- An American Sign Language choir.
- An orchestra including piano, synthesizer, percussion, guitar, electric bass, flute, clarinet, and cello.
- Various soloists.
The choir consists of volunteers from diverse backgrounds, representing at least 17 Oregon communities across five counties and three states. This assembly promotes inclusivity and collaboration among various faiths.
The Yamhill County Community Christmas Cantatas promise an enriching experience, blending culture and charity in the heart of December. For further information, visit Emegypt or contact the organizing groups directly.
