December is full of music at UUCB, including three special musical events. Services will include beautiful solo voice, chorus, percussion, violin, nyckelharpa, and harp. Music for winter, for the festive spirit of the holidays, and for the mystery and reverence of the season on Christmas Eve.

On December 8th, Friday night, Daniel Schmidt celebrates his 75th birthday with a concert of Gamelan music. Daniel is one the leading exponents of sharing the rich tradition of Indonesian music. This innovative and fascinating pursuit that crosses cultural and geographic boundaries has been central to his life’s work in music. 8 pm in the Sanctuary.

The next week, our wonderful organist, Katya Kolesnikova, is joined by the remarkable violinist Bakyt Bekdjanov for a concert of music for violin and organ. This will be music by candlelight, music in the spirit of advent, of quiet attention and reflection and beauty. December 15, Friday night, at 8 pm in the sanctuary.

Messiah Sing-Along, Sunday, December 17, at 6 pm in the sanctuary. Join in singing one of the great treasures of Western art, Handel’s evergreen Messiah. This glorious music is the focus of an uplifting and heartwarming evening when hundreds of music lovers from across the Bay Area come together to hear the orchestra and soloists — including Rev. Kristin! — and to sing the powerful choruses. A marvelous way to feel the holiday glow: Hallelujah!  

Yours in harmony,

Bryan