Editor, The Herald:

Christmas came early this year, as anyone knows who happened to be at the annual Christmas concert by the Commonwealth Chorale at the Farmville Methodist Church last Sunday. The Chorale's rendition of Handel's Messiah was further enhanced by musicians from the Petersburg and Richmond orchestras. Perhaps because the most recent edition of Harry Potter is currently making the rounds my thoughts turned to it as I watched the director, Norma Williams, demonstrate her ability to take common, ordinary people (soloists notwithstanding) and turn them into virtuosos. Magic, pure magic. For a volunteer organization that exists due to the donations from the town and many others, they were truly amazing. It was an evening not to miss.

William E. DeRegibus, D.C

Farmville