Echoes of Christmas Praise Beneath the Starlight
The Colorado Korean Choir, led by Director Soonhee Sohn and Conductor Taehyun Kim, delivered a heartwarming Christmas concert titled To the Stars on Saturday, December 7, at 6:00 PM. Held at Bethany Lutheran Church (4500 E Hampden Ave, Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113), the event enchanted the audience with beautiful hymns and collaborative performances.
The concert opened with a powerful rendition of Ad Astra (To the Stars), setting the stage with a strong impression. The choir followed with video messages from its members, sharing the spirit of Christmas and captivating the audience. Gentle melodies such as Cradle Hymn and The Shining Star, Jesus further enhanced the warm Christmas ambiance.
During a mid-performance speech, choir member So-Yeon Keum touched the audience by sharing, “Christmas is a time to share love and remember the greatest gift, Jesus Christ.” The choir then performed the beloved carol Do You Hear What I Hear, enveloping the venue in a cozy, festive spirit.
The program also featured a special performance by the Carillons Handbell Choir from Bethany Lutheran Church. Under the direction of Nolan Oltjenbrus, the group brought to life the sound of Christmas bells with pieces like Sing We Now of Christmas and Mary, Did You Know? The bell choir’s crystal-clear tones earned resounding applause, with Oltjenbrus inviting the audience to share in the joy of the season.
Following a moving communal rendition of Away in a Manger, the Grandview High School Chamber Singers, directed by Teresa Newman, took the stage. Their a cappella performances of It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year and Ani Ma’amin (I Believe) left a lasting impression with their harmonies and emotional depth. The singers concluded their set with a radiant rendition of Joy to the World, earning thunderous applause.
The highlight of the evening came as the Colorado Korean Choir, Grandview Chamber Singers, and the audience joined forces for a lively performance of Jingle Bells. The mood became more reflective with Lux Aurumque, an a cappella piece that delivered delicate harmonies and profound emotion. The evening culminated with all participants singing Joy to the World, conducted by Taehyun Kim, celebrating unity and the joy of Christmas.
In a closing message, Conductor Taehyun Kim expressed his wishes for happiness and laughter in every home as 2024 concludes and 2025 begins. The final piece, To the Stars, co-conducted by Kim and Newman, brought the concert to a radiant finish.
Throughout the evening, moments of communal carol singing brought attendees together, creating a shared experience of harmony and reflection. Rather than a jubilant or boisterous affair, the concert emphasized serene and beautiful praise, inviting the audience to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.
The Colorado Korean Choir’s performance served as a journey of reflection and hope, reminding attendees of the love and light of the Christmas season. With the choir’s 20th-anniversary celebration scheduled for 2025, their future endeavors promise even greater inspiration.
