A Little Historical Night Music

The Monroe County Historical Association held its Annual Holiday Concert on Friday December 16th at The Stroud Mansion in Stroudsburg, PA. The concert was presented in the upstairs quarters of the building which was designated to present a variety of functions including workshops and concerts like the one being performed that evening. It proved to be the perfect setting as it provided an intimate and congenial atmosphere for both performers and the sizable number of music lovers who came to attend alike.

After some welcoming remarks given by Bob Wehe and The Monroe County Historical Association Executive Director #Amy Leiser, the local choral group “Discipleship in Song” performed a number of selections reflecting the holiday season indicative of the Christian faith. The blend of voices were a pleasing combination and the songs brought both a smile and a contemplative humbleness to those who experienced them. Those who shared their voices included Debbie Booth, Bill Dimmick, Bill Hoy Sr., Bruce Kraeutler, Tamara Paff, Lynn Pappalardo, Linda Ross, and Kathy Sharp. They were accompanied by Joanne Albertson on Piano.

They were followed by a series of soloist who performed selections ranging from the classical as in those composed by Mozart, Puccini, Handel, and John Phillip Sousa to more contemporary pieces written by Jerome Kern and Cole Porter. There were also a number of traditional Christmas carols performed which included a portion of the program inviting the audience to sing along. Each soloist interpretation of the piece they performed brought not only showcased the vocal nuances of the compositions but their movement added to the piece’s subtext where were written in an universal language with in the soul of each listener, The soloist who shared their beautifully powered voices included Dr. Nadia Worobij, Gil Janes, Bob Wehe, Nicole Rideout, and Erin MacMillion. They were accompanied by Pauline Fox on Piano who also performed a special arrangement of “What Child Is This?”

The concert’s conclusion brought with it opportunities for the audience to share conversations with the performers and with each other which served to allow the good fellowship created by the event to linger on long afterwards. Plus, the cakes and cookies were good. You’ll find more photographs taken during the concert in the Music 2011 Gallery Part 2 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150510736315421.429428.636000420&type=1&l=4713dd0bf8.

The choral group “Discipleship in Song” is an ecumenical music ministry based in the Pocono, PA area. Their mission and purpose is to present inspirational music and personal testimonies in order to encourage their audience to develop a closer relationship with God. The group does not adhere to any particular belief or creed but, instead, rely on the supernatural Grace of the Divine to move their mission and purpose forward.  

The Stroud Mansion was the family home Jacob Stroud in 1795 who founded the town of Stroudsburg, PA which is now the Monroe County seat. The building houses the offices of The Monroe County Historical Association which is a non-profit community organization dedicated to preserving the history of the area while providing tours for those who wished to learn more about the town’s heritage. The Monroe County Historical Association future events will include their annual meeting and awards luncheon on Sunday February 26th and their Annual Victorian Tea and luncheon on Sunday April 29th. You’ll be able to learn more about The Monroe County Historical Association and all it has to offer the community by contacting them at 570-421-7703 or by exploring their website at www.monroehistorical.org.