I am so fortunate to have three-fold memories of making music with the legendary Weston Noble: from my undergraduate days (1978-1982), from his year in residency with the Carthage Choir (2007-2008 – and brief return visits in subsequent years) and in the Weston Noble Alumni Choir. How blessed was I? In this season, I find myself reflecting again and again upon the most precious memories I have of collaborating with this remarkable man. I would not be who I am without him.
This particular recording is from the Carthage Christmas Festival in 2007. It features Weston Noble conducting the Carthage Choir (with me at the piano) in Mac Wilberg’s exquisite arrangement of “The First Nowell.” For me, this was the emotional and musical high point of that year’s concert- and I’m quite sure that most of the young men and women in the choir that year cherish this memory as much as I do. There’s no question that this was a year of rebuilding for the choir, but under Mr. Noble’s caring direction, the choir regained the joy of singing and started on an exciting path towards new excellence.