Church choirs from throughout the United States made up a mass choir of 275 voices in New York City's Carnegie Hall on Nov. 17, 2019, that joined with a full orchestra to present Christmas Evergreens, a cantata by acclaimed composer and conductor Joseph Martin. Among those voices were members of the Roseburg Church choir. The opportunity to interact with choir members from throughout the country provided many opportunities to share the love of music and love for the Lord.
Lymy Beth Toenis, Roseburg Church choir director, was astounded to receive an email inviting the Roseburg choir to participate. The Roseburg Church choir, known as Musikkchorale, had previously sung a Christmas cantata by the same composer. Representatives of Distinguished Concerts International New York City (DCINY) selected the Roseburg Choir because of their “quality and high level of musicianship demonstrated by the singers as well as the exceptional recommendation given by Joseph Martin.” Choir members held multiple fundraising events throughout the year to offset costs.
A repeat follow-up concert by Musikkchorale was given in the Roseburg Better Life Church on Dec. 22, 2019.
Members of Roseburg Better Life Church's Musikkchorale prepare to sing in Carnegie Hall.
A 275-voice choir and full orchestra present the Christmas Evergreens cantata.
