Sunday, December 11, 2016
Two concerts, at 4:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.
On Sunday, December 11, the Piedmont Chamber Singers will perform two free candlelight concerts in the 1788 Gemeinhaus at 4:00 and 5:00 p.m.
Light refreshments will be served in the Visitor Center throughout the evening. We invite you to join us and view Bethabara exhibits, enjoy mulled cider, and browse in the Bethabara Gift Shop.
PCS offers this concert as their end-of-year gift to the community. They have been performing holiday concerts at the Bethabara Gemeinhaus since 1979, missing only one year, 1989, when they had to cancel because of icy weather. It’s a beautiful setting, one rich in history. Consecrated 5 months prior to George Washington’s inauguration as President of the United States in April 1789, the space resonates with over 225 years of musical offerings by a people known for their love of music.
The Piedmont Chamber Singers will perform Christmas anthems as well as sing-along carols. The acoustics in the church are amazing, and to be in such a special space, filled with the sounds of the organ and choral performance, is truly a memorable experience.
Brother Johann Michael Graff brought the first organ to Bethabara from Bethlehem, PA in 1762. Only 9 years after the first settlers had arrived, Bethabara residents were still struggling to create a home in the wilderness of the Carolina backcountry and still dealing with the effects of the French & Indian War, which had yet to be resolved. Music was central to their lives, and it served as an expression of their communal beliefs.
With this concert Bethabara will begin to put the Park to bed for the winter season. The Park officially closes on December 14, when we shut our doors as we prepare to please and inspire you once more in the upcoming 2017 season.