Joy - An Irish Christmas 2015 - Review

REVIEW

By Dale Fenwick

Keith and Kristyn Getty blessed Central Florida with the 2015 edition of Joy - An Irish Christmas last night.

In November I was able to watch only a few minutes of their PBS special, but it was enough to make me think that seeing them live might be a good way to get into the true spirit of the season on the Saturday before Christmas. I am so glad I organized a group of eight from Apopka to make the trek down to the Bob Carr Theater.

As the title indicates, the concert was a blend of traditional and new Christmas carols set to arrangements using traditional Irish instruments and dance, with an eclectic blend of Celtic, bluegrass, Americana, classical, and choral music.

Part one of the program was set around a Village Festival theme and included songs like, Sleigh Ride, Here We Come A-Wassailing, and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.

Part two was more serious and focused on the themes depicted in the five windows set behind the performers. The themes, from left to right, were; Creation, Prophecy and Promise, Advent, Easter, and The Second Advent. In less than an hour we experienced a musical tour of the Redemption Story from Genesis to Revelation.

The audience was asked to stand several times and join the performers in singing selected numbers including the now well-known hymn written by Keith Getty in 2001, In Christ Alone.

I was blown away.

There are only three more performances of Joy, an Irish Christmas. Unfortunately if you want to experience it you will have to travel to Birmingham (tonight), Atlanta (Monday), or Nashville for the final performance on Tuesday night.

Alternatively, you can purchase the DVD (currently on sale at amazon.com). This is the 4th year of the Joy concert series. Be sure to order the 2015 concert. I am sure the other three are excellent as well judging by this performance.

Finally, for a taste of Getty music you can watch the one-hour program of highlights from the 2014 version of Joy. The last chance to do that is tonight at 5:00 PM on WUCF.

Keith and Kristyn Getty ended the concert with a duet called, An Irish Christmas Blessing which begins like this:

"Now may the fragrance of His peace soar through your heart like the dove released.

Hide in His wings oh weary, distant soul. He'll guide your spirit home."

Listen to the entire blessing here: An Irish Christmas Blessing

Merry Christmas Apopka!

Dale Fenwick is the Publisher of The Apopka Voice