Zephyr Concert Ushers In Christmas Spirit

By LAURA ROBISON

The Progress

The annual Zephyr Singers Christmas Concert was held on Saturday, Dec. 3, with a packed house at the Logandale Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Under the direction of Gaye Nelson, this was the first Christmas performance for the group since 2019 due to the COVID pandemic. The audience was thrilled to hear some old favorites as well as new additions.

As the attendees walked into the building, they were met with beautiful Christmas decorations in the chapel foyer. They were also serenaded to their seats by the Zephyr Recorder Consort consisting of Joyce Lyon, Sherrie Whitney and Heather Lyon.

After an introduction, the concert began with the Zephyr singers performing “Star Carol” and “What Sweeter Music” featuring a solo by Tameran McClure.

The music started popping and more upbeat with renditions of “I Saw Three Ships,” “Winter Wonderland “and a favorite of young and old alike, “Jingle Bells” This last featured Vicki Willard ringing the sleigh bells.

Jan Mecham on violin joined the smooth string performers, Kristi Dalley-violin, Jill Laub-violin, Holly Schall-Viola and Brent Pettit-Cello as they performed “For the Night of the Nativity” and “In the Bleak Midwinter.”

Jane Solomon is an accomplished flutist performed with the singers in a few different numbers. She also shined as a soloist when she played “Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella” while Cindy Hardy played the piano.

Eleven year old Jaeda Mauaina, whose family recently moved to Moapa Valley, wowed the audience with her powerful vocal solo of “O Holy Night,” accompanied by Vicki Willard on the piano.

The Zephyr singers then performed “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” and concluded the evening with a wonderful and sacred rendition of “Silent Night,” joined by the string quartet and flute.

Macie Jensen and her mom Elli Jensen attended the event. “I really liked the strings, it was wonderful,” said Macie.
“This opened my heart and I had feelings I haven’t felt in awhile,” added Elli. “The music brought tears to my eyes a few times and the addition of the strings was very powerful.”

A first-time soprano to the group, Sandy Leavitt said, “I thoroughly enjoyed singing tonight.”

“This was wonderful!” said Zephyr Singers Director Gaye Nelson. “There was unity and the voices blended well together. The spirit and energy of the evening was amazing.”