The Carols of Christmastime

Music is well said

to be the speech of angels.

--Thomas Carlyle

It is certain that Christmas and music go hand in hand.  It would be strange to experience one without the other.  Yes, my days have been more than busy, but hopefully this effort has brought smiles to faces and joy to hearts

First Presidency Devotional 

This event involved a very reduced Orchestra at Temple Square because of the necessity to fit us up by the choir.  Audrey was thrilled to have been selected to join me for this world-wide broadcast for the second year in a row.  It is this event, first thing in the month of December, that helps me feel, "Yes, Christmas can come now."  It is fun to realize that members all over the world are coming together to listen to the words of prophets of God, all of us under the same bright star.

A Kurt Bestor Christmas

And on to the bit more secular...  But still enjoyable!  This year marked Kurt's 20th year of Christmas concerts at Abravanel Hall, twelve or so of which I have played.  I'm not certain just how many more years I will be asked to perform; I think Kurt likes "young ones" on his stage. No matter how old I am, though, Kurt will be slightly older!  grin.

Christmas Bells

Choices, choices.  This year the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square Christmas Concert conflicted with Kurt's Concerts.  I'm so torn and disappointed when this happens.  One pays blessings, the other pays "dough." I went for the dough and really missed out on four amazing performances at a filled Conference Center.  What a wonderful free gift to the community.  So, while I was performing Kurt's Concerts, Audrey was a block away performing with the Choir.  Randy and I attended on Sunday morning to hear her.  I cried the whole way through.  Wish I could have played both... Maybe next year.

Audrey with Meredith, Kathy, and Emily

Larry Miller Christmas Carol Sing-a-Long

Kathryn with stand partner, Aubrey

Located at Energy Solutions Arena, this event is free to the public.  This year Larry Miller furnished free hot dogs, drink, ticket to a Bees Game, free popcorn at the Megaplex Theater, and a free ticket to the 2009 Nascar Race.  Live links to troops in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afganistan, aloud families to sing with their loved ones serving there.  A very emotional Larry Miller spoke to his gathering about his love of Christmas, music, people.  He was just recently released from a 2-month stay in the hospital after a very severe heart attack, and kidney failure.  It is apparent that he feels very blessed to be alive.