Historical Society Presents Special Christmas Program

For its monthly meeting, the North Manchester Historical Society is inviting everyone to a special Christmas program.  Richard Livingston will narrate Dylan Thomas’s “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” and other poems associated with the season on Monday, December 10, in the Assembly Room of Timbercrest Senior Living Community, 2201 East Street, at 6:40 p.m.

“The program will present a nostalgic view of Christmas through literature,” said Mary Chrastil, Historical Society President.   “Christmas always brings many wonderful programs, from the Nutcracker to the Messiah.  This program is delightful because it is not the commonplace Christmas offering, yet is a lovely and warm-hearted look at the best of the Christmas spirit.”

Richard Livingston is well known in the North Manchester community for his beautiful speaking voice and musical talents.  He presented a series of well-received piano recitals at Timbercrest in 2011.  What people may not know is that Livingston sang professionally for 10 years in a downtown Chicago church, and was a member for the Chicago Symphony Chorus for 32 years.  In this capacity, he toured extensively, appearing at Carnegie Hall, London, Saltzburg and Berlin.  He participated in recordings which won nine Grammy awards for classical music.  Richard notes that he was in rehearsal on stage with most of the leading singers and conductors of the late 20^th century.

Richard graduated from Juniata College, and went on to earn an MA in music from Northwestern and a PhD from Northwestern in oral interpretation of literature.  This training will be evident as he performs for Historical Society members and friends.

The public is also invited to come to the Assembly Room at 6 p.m. for a meal prior to the meeting.  For those who wish to attend the dinner, reservations must be made no later than noon on Friday, December 7.  The cost of the meal is $7.50.  Reservations may be made by calling Mary at 260-982-1813 or Evelyn at 260-982-6777.  There is no cost for the program, which is free to the public.  All are welcome.