The Sutter Buttes Family Orchestra recognized three wonderful ladies from the Choir that helped make the evening possible, giving them gorgeous red poinsettias. Pictured left to right: Maggie Hepworth - Choir Director, Ione Cunningham - Assistant Director, and Heather Payne - Choir Accompanist. Photo by Seti Long

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The Sutter Buttes Family Orchestra and Choir delighted a full house as they performed “Wise Men Still Seek Him,” a free Christmas Concert for the community.

On Sunday evening, attendees enjoyed a variety of compositions featuring the Sutter Buttes Family Orchestra (SBFO), accompanied by the Sutter Buttes Choir, and Sutter Buttes Ward Children’s Choir (SBWCC).

The evening was opened with a prayer, followed by a narration by Ken Roberts.

The following playlist included classics such as “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, “O Holy Night”, and variations of “Joy to the World”.  The SBW Childrens Choir tenderly performed, “All Because of Him”.

At times, SBO Director Carol Brown would turn to the audience and invite them to join in song, creating and interactive musical experience. The hall at the Gridley Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints filled with the voices of attendee’s as they joined in, singing a mix of “Silent Night”, “Away in a Manger”, “The First Noel” and “Joy to the World.”

The program concluded with a rousing rendition of the “Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah”. SBFO musicians and directors volunteer their time and talents to provide such moving concerts to the communities in our area.

SBFO musicians and directors volunteer their time and talents to provide such moving concerts to the communities in our area.

The SBFO presented Choir director Maggie Hepworth, Assistant Director Ione Cunningham, and Accompanist Heather Payne with poinsettia’s during the event. 

Organizers would like to thank the following volunteers and organizations for their support in making the Christmas Concert a success: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Ron Whitaker (sound), Gridley Lions Club (ushers), LDS Missionaries (set-up), the Oroville Community Concert Band (music stands and percussion instruments), Cindy Scott, Children’s Hope, Jason Bishop and Justin Bishop.