Ashland Choir Performs at Carnegie Hall’s Christmas Spectacular

Joe Lyons • November 23, 2023

ASHLAND, OH – On November 20th, 25 members of the Calvary Worship Choir from the Calvary Baptist Church in Ashland participated in the 13th Annual Christmas Spectacular at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

The event featured choirs and music ministers from across America, with the choir and orchestra from First Baptist Woodstock in Georgia anchoring the musical production. Over 220 vocalists came together to present the world premiere of “Then Christ Came,” an original Christmas musical by Cliff Duren and Daniel Semsen.

Among the Ashland choir members was director Joshua Cehulik, who was given the honor of directing the ensemble along with the children’s St. Gregory Choir from New Jersey in a performance of “His Name is Wonderful,” an original composition by Cliff Duren. The song also featured renowned vocalist April Duren as soloist.

According to Cehulik, “It was an incredible experience for our choir to perform on stage at the prestigious Carnegie Hall. Our musicians worked tirelessly for months to prepare for this event alongside choirs from across the country. We’re thrilled that we could represent our community and church at this Christmas spectacular.”

The full 75-voice Calvary Worship Choir is expected to present selections from “Then Christ Came” at the Calvary Baptist Church on December 17th at 10:15 AM, alongside a 70-voice children’s choir directed by Rebecca Cehulik. The performance will be free and open to the public.