THEIR VOICES BLENDED in perfect harmony, their singing so flawless that I felt emotionally moved by the sheer experience of listening.
I was among those packed inside Faribault Evangelical Free Church for a recent free holiday concert performed by three area men’s choruses: The Faribault Lakelanders Barbershop Chorus, The Northfield Troubadors and The Riverblenders Barbershop Chorus from Mankato.
Their holiday selections ranged from faith-based to secular to a humorous take on “Oh, Christmas Tree” featuring a verse about lutefisk. That set the crowd laughing.
But it was the classics, the aged hymns, the time-honored songs, to which I most connected. They hold the memories of many Christmases. Memories of the Christmas story told and retold within the verses of “Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem.” Memories of singing “Silent Night” in the still darkness of a sanctuary, peace settling upon me. Childhood memories of belting out the jubilant words of “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.”
And then there were the secular selections. The familiar words of “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas,” the dream held by even those who otherwise dislike snow. “Deck the Halls” reminding many, including me, of the decorating yet to be done. And then the song, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” that nearly did me in, that caused me to check tears because I can’t recall the last time all three of my adult children were together, back here in Minnesota for Christmas. I thought then of my son flying in next week from Boston and the daughter in Madison, Wisconsin, who won’t be home for Christmas. Joyous reunion mixed with missing a loved one.
But in the all of the holiday concert, I felt the wonderful spirit of Christmas emanating from the musical selections sung by the likes of Pastor Juan Palm and his young son, my friend Greg, Curt D. and a guy I recognize from a local grocery store. These are gifted musicians from my community and beyond who, for the love of music, the joy of singing, the desire to spread happiness, sing in sweet, blessed harmony.
And they do more than simply sing. This year the Lakelanders raised $4,500 for Ruth’s House, Whispers of Hope and Hope Center at their annual fundraising concert, “Hope in Harmony.” Representatives of those three nonprofits were recognized at the holiday concert. Through the years, the singers have given $39,000 to charities.
This warms my heart. This generosity of spirit given through music. These singers create harmony in the chaos of life, bring peace and lift spirits with their voices. On this early December afternoon, I was right where I was supposed to be—seated on a comfortable, padded chair behind another Audrey (to whom I’d been introduced by my friend Greg of the Lakelanders). I imagined the warmth of a blazing fire over which chestnuts roasted. I heard bells jingling on a sleigh. And I remembered the long ago taste of lutefisk—cod soaked in lye—cooked and served with warm, melted butter. Memories in music. Sweet harmony in words sung. Emotions rising.
FYI: Holiday concerts abound this time of year. At 1:30 pm Thursday, December 7, the Faribault High School Choir performs at the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour in Faribault. Cathedral organist Andrew DeZiel will also play selections on the aged church pipe organ. At 4 pm on Saturday, December 9, student musicians at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School perform in The Chapel of the Good Shepherd as part of the afternoon Campus Christmas Walk. Also on Saturday, The Riverblenders sing at 7 pm at Central Building Auditorium, 501 East Elm Avenue in Waseca.
© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
isn’t it amazing how music can move us in such extraordinary ways? so nice that they also give back to the community in more than one way –
I have zero musical knowledge or talent so I assuredly appreciate those who have both and share with us non-musicians.
We just concluded our concert season for Mountain Choral Ensemble on Sunday. It really does get people in the mood of the season and our director does a great job of selecting a mix of music that pleases all. We always end with Celtic Silent Night—- a real tear jerker. Love community concerts.
And you were part of that concert, right?
Yes— both Chris and I sing in the group. It’s a fun group to belong to.
I love that you can both do something you enjoy together.
I adore holiday concerts! My emotions flowed from joyful to nostalgic with each title you listed. I’m curious to know how that lutefisk verse went. I’m not a fan of lutefisk, but nearly all the relatives serve it at Christmas dinners.
Here is the first verse of the lutefisk song sung at the concert:
1. O Lutefisk, O Lutefisk, how fragrant your aroma,
O Lutefisk, O Lutefisk, you put me in a coma.
You smell so strong, you look like glue,
You taste just like an overshoe,
But lutefisk, come Saturday,
I tink I eat you anyvay
Here’s a link to the entire song: https://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/Hymns_and_Carols/o_lutefisk_o_lutefisk.htm
Thanks for the link. Oofda that was fun to read. 😄
Glad you enjoyed the lutefisk song.
The Lakelanders need to put more current videos on FB and YT so we all can enjoy ther music, almost a lost art, good to see a recent performance with other chorus’. What happened to The Sweet Adelines? I don’t think Faribault had a group, but just don’t hear much about them. From those of us over our heads in church music concerts rehearsals! – Merry Christmas to you and all the family (we’re seldom in the same state together either)
Keep singing because there are non-singers/non-musically-talented people like me who really enjoy concerts.
I always enjoy the holiday music…all of it. We listened to the St. Olaf Christmas Festival via stream this year. Concerts are special events..to listen in person. .
St. Olaf now performs in the Cities, at Orchestra Hall, I believe. Kind of disappointing for Northfield, but certainly an incredible venue for the musicians.
St. Olaf Christmas Festival did preform at Orchestra Hall last year, and again this year. Next year they will be back in Northfield and then, I believe, they will start going every other year to Orchestra Hall.
Every other year is good to hear.
Love the song – but it does not encourage me to partake of this feast from the den of culinary atrocities, Raw Bison meat has a terrible reek to it also. I ran into 2 Meat Processors who had processed a Bison for a hunter and they complained bitterly about the stink. I told them “You don’t read much history do you” History shows everyone (smart enough) walked up wind when passing Buffalo Skinners dressing down a Bison.
The song is humorous, indeed. You taught me something about bison. I had no idea.