Winter Solstice celebrated with candlelight concert at ChurcHouse

This year’s concert to commemorate Lynn Elfert

LONG EDDY, NY — The 14th Annual Candlelight Winter Solstice Concert Celebration will be held at the ChurcHouse atop Gould’s Mountain near Long Eddy on Sunday afternoon, December 23, at 3:00 p.m. The concert celebration is free of charge, a gift to the community at this holiday season.

The Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year, has been celebrated over the centuries as a time of introspection and retreat, as well as a festival for the return of the sun and the light. Although two of the three original performers in the solstice concert no longer live in the area, singer Alan Seale, pianist Bill Lewis and storyteller Able Rae (formerly Myra Winner) will all be on hand once more for this celebration. Seale now lives in Rochester and Rae now makes her home in Jacksonville, FL.

The concert promises something for all ages, from familiar holiday music to music of the heart to storytelling.

This year’s celebration is dedicated to the memory of Lynn Elfert, who passed away this summer. All are asked to bring a candle and candleholder, as well as a dessert or appetizer to share following the concert. Folding chairs are also welcome. Early arrival is recommended for seating.

For many years, Seale was a singer and voice teacher in New York City, and has appeared as a soloist with the New York Philharmonic, the Spoleto Festival, New York City Opera National Company and the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra. His voice students include Broadway stars Marc Kudisch, James Barbour and Graham Rowat. Seale is now a leadership coach, inspirational speaker and author. His books include “Intuitive Living: A Sacred Path,” and “The Manifestation Wheel.” His website is alanseale.com.

Lewis has appeared on concert stages all over the world with such noted singers as tenors Ronan Tynan, Marcello Giordano and Rockwell Blake, and soprano Maureen O’Flynn. He appeared at the White House accompanying Miss Patti LaBelle. He has been the head vocal coach for Central City Opera Festival, and has served on the coaching staffs of Santa Fe Opera and the Texas Opera Theater, as well as on the faculty of Rutgers University.

Rae is well known to Delaware Valley audiences from her stories on WJFF public radio as Winner. She is now regularly heard as a storyteller on Jacksonville public radio, and has recently released her second CD, “I am Able Rae.” Her stories have also been published in collections by Simon and Schuster.

For more information call 585/473-9793.