Playing this mixture of traditional Christmas music and classical pieces is a practice I have continued in adulthood.
Ron Noecker is a priest of the Archdiocese of Omaha serving as Pastor of Holy Cross Catholic Church of Beemer, Nebraska and Music Director for the Omaha Archdiocese.
Vocalists: Lachelle Batenhorst, JoAnne Hamilton, Mary Jean Klug, Marilyn Knobbe, Denise Kreikemeier, Karen Spenner, Gloria Wellman, Dave Batter, Dave Belt, Dave Ludwig, Don Noecker, Joe Weiss.
Engineering, Sequencing Orchestration Assistance, and Guitars: Dan Kane, Power Base Studios, Wisner, Nebraska
Piano Selections recording and editing engineer: Clete Baker,
Studio B, Ltd., Omaha, Nebraska
Post Production: J. E. Van Horne
Marketing and Production: Mike and Patty Knobbe
COVER ART: NATIVITY (C) 1988 John August Swanson
Los Angeles artist John August Swanson is noted for his finely detailed, brilliantly colored Biblical pieces. His works are found in the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History, London's Tate Gallery, the Vatican Museum's Collection of Modern Religious Art, and the Bibliotegue Nationaale, Paris.
Photography: Jean Groth
Songs and carols at the piano marked Christmas year after year. For members of my family, the holidays were times to share pieces we had worked on during the year. In our home it was typical to hear "O Come All Ye Faithful" followed by a work of Bach or Beethoven.
Playing this mixture of traditional Christmas music and classical pieces is a practice I have continued in adulthood. I enjoy, while entertaining at a nursing home or a Christmas party, the opportunity to share classical works that I have rehearsed. Because of the encouragement and support of many people for this practice, I am making this recording.
Venite Adoremus has come together with the help of Dan Kane at Power Base Studio in Wisner, Nebraska and Jackson Berkey with whom I continue to study piano. It has been a rewarding experience to orchestrate and vocally enhance the traditional tunes with the help of family members and friends. The classical pieces, which follow groups of Christmas selec- tions, offer moments to reflect upon the wonders of the season. I hope that you enjoy the music as much as I have enjoyed bringing it together.
Venite Adoremus means "O come let us adore him". The angels heralded the Savior who brings the gift of peace. This music is meant to be of support to all who are trying to keep their lives centered in that peace. Though this collection is not meant for liturgical use, perhaps it can be one more way to find serenity in a busy world.
Special thanks to my benefactors Milo and Agnes Stych, Robert Soener, Jackson and Almeda Berkey who provided the opportunity to record the piano pieces in their home, Mike and Patty Knobbe for their invaluable assis- tance. To the singers listed above, along with those who have supported this project and all who enjoy this music, may the Wedding of Heaven and Earth bring you peace. Ron Noecker, 1997.