"Winds of Bethlehem" Christmas Cantata

“Winds of Bethlehem”, a Christmas cantata with music by local composer Jane Sbarra and words by The Rev. Robert D. Reader, will be presented at 4:00 pm on Sunday, December 9 at Episcopal Church of the Advent in Cape May. The cantata, a composition for choir, voice ensembles, soloists and organ tells the ancient Christmas story in a contemporary musical setting. Several of Ms. Sbarra’s compositions for organ, flute and voices will be performed as a prelude to this work at 4 pm. The cantata will be performed by the combined choirs of the First Presbyterian Church of Cape May and Episcopal Church of the Advent. Soloists include Karen Buckley, Charlie Buckley and John Mitchell with Peter Munsick, flute and Carol Obligado, organ. The story of the birth of Jesus is presented in what Carol Obligado calls “unexpected and surprising ways.” The winds from the title of the piece are portrayed by a quintet of vocalists who move the mood of the cantata from one of “mystery, to turbulence, to wonder and joy.” Jane Sbarra’s works are familiar to local audiences. She has composed a number of choral works and musicals, including “The Prodigal,” “The Magi’ and “A Palette of Parables.” Robert Reader, a Presbyterian minister and former member of the faculty at Montclair State, has been the director/producer of The Butchers’ Guild Players, a theater ensemble presenting revivals. A free will offering will a be taken and a reception will follow in the Parish Hall. For further information call 609 884 6652. Episcopal Church of the Advent is located at the corner of Washington and Franklin Streets, (686 Washington Street) in historic Cape May.