by David Friihauf

With Parkside’s auditorium under construction this past December, the Parkside choir and children’s ensemble were afforded a unique opportunity to join Keith and Kristyn Getty for their “Joy-An Irish Christmas” program at the Connor Palace Theatre in downtown Cleveland. Additionally, nine members of Parkside’s choir joined 229 other singers from 33 states and four countries for the Getty’s first-ever performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

The two sold-out Cleveland concerts marked the eleventh and twelfth performances of an eighteen-date tour throughout which the Gettys recruited a choir and volunteers from local churches to help with that city’s tour stop. Numerous Parkside families stepped forward to offer their assistance and hospitality and Parkside fielded both an adult choir, led by Conductor George Ohman and Music Ministry Director Ruth Juergermeier, and a children’s ensemble led by choir members Susan Miller and Anna Marie Francisco. The Gettys were also able to tap the talent of the Cleveland Institute of Music’s string ensemble. 



While the Cleveland event was the only stop that included a Christmas message by Alistair Begg, the eclectic musical program featured Scottish-Gaelic singing, traditional English carols, Irish reels and jigs, step dancing, as well as American bluegrass, folk, and jazz which all melded together into a program with one goal in mind -- that people would meet Jesus.

The Carnegie Hall event also featured bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs, who joined as a special guest, and a show highlight was when three thousand people sang along to “In Christ Alone.” The choir was literally overpowered and the moment brought many to tears. Conductor Ben Klemme noted the “tangible unity of purpose” he witnessed was like none he has ever seen. Keith and Kristyn commented after the concert that it was truly the highlight of their lives as a band.   

Parkside Choir Singers who made the trip to New York include: Adrianne Krauss, Patricia Harris, Mandy Kennedy, Kristin Presley, Karen Nelson, Rosie Meek, Rikki Meek, Rani Meek, and myself.

All were humbled by the incredible opportunities, in both Cleveland and New York, that powerfully juxtaposed the commercialized, worldly Christmas outside while inside was Immanuel, God with us. Now that’s what Christmas is all about.

Click here to see photos from the Carnegie Hall event.