Magical Voices sing for Christmas

The 15th annual Magical Voices of Christmas concert at Sisters High School lifted hearts and spirits on Sunday night with a nostalgic blend of modern and classic musical treats and sparkling performances. 

Rotarian and emcee Jim Craig, who launched the yearly holiday concert event back in 1997 to kindle some Christmas cheer, started the program off with a thank-you to all the volunteers and title sponsors, and especially the hard work of director Kathryn Godsiff.

"It's been a lot of fun over the years and we're going to go back and relive a few memories tonight," he said, occasionally joined by Santa Claus on stage.

Sisters High School Jazz Choir came out first, singing "Deck The Halls" and "We Three Kings" to a captivated auditorium. Lisa Cooper delivered a pure and delicate rendition of Sarah Mclachlan's "Angel." Cooper was then paired with Rhonda Funk for a duet of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and "White Christmas." Americana students entertained with some original guitar compositions of their own, specially themed for the season.

Intermission arrived with a banquet of homebaked Christmas cookies, coffee and cider in the lobby, accompanied by music from the Sisters High School Jazz Band.

"This is our fifth year here, and we think the kids are just great," said Hal and Francie Kibby, settling back in their seats. "It's a fine showcase of some of our local talent and a fun way to start the Christmas season. We love Sisters and look forward to this every year. I wish we all could do more to support our kids' teachers. They're the doctors of our children's minds."

The Bells of Sunriver, a small ensemble based out of the Christian Fellowship at Sunriver, started out the program's second half with a bell-ringing set of holiday favorites, including a song performed on a bell tree, constructed with silver bells strung like branches.

The Sisters High School Concert Choir ended the evening with a trio of seasonal chestnuts, delivering a fun, non-traditional number called "Good King Kong Looked Out," complete with pantomime and kazoos. And, in keeping with tradition for the past 15 seasons, Craig led the audience in a final sing-along chorus of "Silent Night" to set the mood for the rest of December's festive holiday period.