O Holy Night
St. Petersburg, FL – December 6, 2024 — In a moment of soaring beauty and reverent power, Kent Nicholas joined the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay for a soul-stirring performance of “O Holy Night” by Adolphe Charles Adam, with lyrics by John Sullivan Dwight and arranged by Michael G. Sinshack. Presented during their holiday concert “Slay Bells”at Allendale United Methodist Church, the performance stood as a shining centerpiece of the evening—a timeless carol delivered with vocal brilliance and heartfelt devotion.
Kent Nicholas took the lead with a commanding yet tender presence, his voice carrying the opening lines with rich warmth and an emotional resonance that immediately drew the audience in. As the piece built toward its signature climactic moments, Nicholas navigated the challenging vocal terrain with apparent ease, delivering the iconic high notes with both technical control and expressive urgency. His performance was not merely a showcase of vocal prowess—it was a prayer in song, deeply felt and exquisitely executed.
Behind him, the chorus provided a luminous foundation. Sinshack’s arrangement offered lush harmonies and dramatic swells that complemented Nicholas’s solo line without ever overpowering it. The ensemble’s dynamic sensitivity and tonal precision added depth and richness to the performance, creating a full, resonant sound that filled the sanctuary and enveloped the audience in reverent stillness.
The acoustics of Allendale United Methodist Church enhanced every phrase, allowing the soaring melody and layered harmonies to bloom with clarity and grace. The result was a transcendent musical experience—one that reminded concertgoers of the sacred heart of the season, even amid the sparkle and whimsy that characterized other parts of the “Slay Bells” program.
As the final chord of “O Holy Night” rang out, there was a brief, breath-held silence before the audience erupted into an extended standing ovation. It was a clear affirmation of the emotional impact and artistic excellence of the performance.
In an evening filled with joy, laughter, and variety, this rendition of “O Holy Night” offered a moment of profound beauty and spiritual reflection. Kent Nicholas and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay proved once again that they are not only entertainers, but also storytellers and stewards of the season’s deepest meaning.