Now in its 14th season, the Noel Ensemble creates a magical afternoon of music from around the world on harps, Celtic harps, strings, percussion and flute interlaced with dramatic, enchanting readings celebrating winter and Yuletide. A heart-warming presentation, Noel is acclaimed as a feast for the eyes and ears, with richly colored costumes and beautiful instruments for all ages to enjoy. Jill Whitman, who directs the Ensemble, has performed world-wide and is currently principal harpist with the Bellingham and Yakima Symphonies. Winner of the American Harp Society Concert Artist competition in 1992, Ms. Whitman is a professor at Western Washington University and one of the pioneers in teaching the Suzuki method for harp to children. Kimberley Breilein, graduate in flute performance from Boston University, is a three-time winner of the Washington State Solo Contest and has performed as principal flute with the Tanglewood Symphony, Rome Festival Orchestra and Skagit Symphony and several chamber groups throughout the Northwest. Ms. Breilein teaches flute students and is a founding member of Trio Lumina. Narrator Rosemary Scott Vohs was classically trained in performance arts in her native England. She teaches storytelling and public speaking at Western Washington University and is frequently featured at festivals, programs and musical events. A founding member of the Bellingham Storytellers Guild, she has also served as chair of the National Storytelling Conference.
