For the sixth time, the Clan Currie Society, producers of the Pipes of Christmas and HomeTowne Television (HTTV) have demonstrated their broadcasting prominence by being named as recipients of the prestigious Telly Award for television production excellence.
The program recognized was for highlights of the 2016 concert, which was cable and webcast globally over the HTTV web platform during the Christmas holiday. The annual holiday program features Scottish and Irish Christmas carols and readings from Scripture and Celtic literature. Filmed at Central Presbyterian Church in Summit, NJ, the hour-long program was produced in cooperation with Summit’s HTTV.
John McCann, director of the Pipes of Christmas cablecast, was thrilled by the news. “Broadcasting the sold-out concert around the world has become a tradition in itself,” he said. “We think of the concert as our Christmas gift to the people of Summit and the surrounding communities, this recognition is a wonderful thank you. This special and unique program is a real treat for our viewers and we are very pleased that this programming has received international recognition.”
McCann continued, “Our team at HomeTowne Television continues to create quality broadcasting and I’m so pleased that their efforts have been recognized by their peers. It’s almost impossible to capture on video the energy and emotion of the Pipes of Christmas, but the team’s work is inspired.
The production is also grateful to all of their sponsors who help with our holiday program. Our thanks in particular go to our long-standing sponsor, The Grand Summit Hotel for their generous support.”
From the bold sounds of the bagpipes and the harmonious blending of brass, strings and percussion, to the poetic and lyrical words that complement them, the Pipes of Christmas is a festival for the soul. Audience-goers return year after year to experience the program, many reporting that the Pipes of Christmas has become part of their family’s annual Christmas tradition.
Proceeds from the concerts support a growing scholarship program, which benefits students in the United States, Canada and Scotland. Commenting on the concert’s scholarship program, Scots born stage and screen star and Honorary Chairman of the 2009 concert, Alan Cumming stated, “How appropriate that this concert should help ensure that the future of Scottish culture is safer with these generous scholarships.”
Over the years, the concert has received critical acclaim. Classical New Jersey Magazine said of the concert, “The whole evening was constructed to introduce gem after gem and still have a finale which raised the roof. In short, it was like a well constructed fireworks show on the Glorious Fourth.” The Westfield (NJ) Leader described the concert as “a unique sound of power and glory nowhere else to be found.”
Since debuting in 1999, The Pipes of Christmas has played to standing room only audiences. In 2006, the concert made its NYC debut at the beautiful Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church where it continues to enjoy sold out performances each year.
The Pipes of Christmas returns for its nineteenth anniversary year on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church in Manhattan and Sunday, December 17, 2017 at Central Presbyterian Church in Summit.