Christmas at the Cathedral
Transcription
Christmas at the Cathedral
The Choral Art Society Robert Russell, music director presents Christmas at the Cathedral featuring The Choral Art Singers Portland Brass Quintet • Dan Moore, organist Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland, Maine Saturday, December 5, 2015, noon & 8 pm Sunday, December 6, 2015, 2:30 & 7:30 pm Angelus ad virginem 13th c. Latin carol Verbum caro factum est 14th c. Latin carol Personent hodie voces puerulae (from Piae Cantiones, 1582) arr. Hoggard/Russell In dulci jubilo Michael Praetorius (1571–1621) Verleih uns Frieden gnädiglich Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847) Portland Brass Quintet Rejoice and be Merry Tautum Ergo Gloucestshire Wassail All arranged by Richard Price Betty Rines and Tucker Barney, trumpet; John Boden, horn; Mark Manduca, trombone; Jobey Wilson, tuba From Messiah George Frideric Handel Overture (1685-1759) And the glory of the Lord For unto us a child is born Hallelujah INTERMISSION Intrada Alfred Reed (1921–2005) Welcome all wonders Richard Dirksen (1921–2003) 1 Ave verum Karl Jenkins b. 1944 Sarah Bailey, soprano & Andrea Graichen, mezzo-soprano Christmas Day Portland Brass Quintet God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen O Little Town of Bethlehem We Wish you a Merry Christmas Gustav Holst (1874–1934) All arranged by Jack Gale Hark! the herald-angels sing Felix Mendelssohn We invite all to sing with us the first and third stanzas (please refer to program notes, page 11) He Never Failed Me Yet Robert Ray b. 1946 Aileen Andrews, contralto We Wish You a Merry Christmas (English traditional) arr. Arthur Warrell Silent Night Franz Gruber (1787–1863) Soloists: Caroline Koelker and Heidi Seitz, sopranos (Saturday noon) Molly Harmon and Heidi Seitz, sopranos (Saturday evening) Ginny Pomeroy, mezzo-soprano and Molly Harmon, soprano (Sunday afternoon) Donna Smith, contralto and Molly Harmon, soprano (Sunday evening) Special thanks to Harmon’s & Barton’s Flowers for the poinsettias Save the Date! April 27, 2016 Prelude to Spring Song A Bird's-Eye View of The Choral Art Society More information to come, visit our website at www.choralart.org 2 3 We are pleased to support The Choral Art Society and their mission to advance the art of choral singing through performance, collaboration, and outreach. www.gorhamsavingsbank.com Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender Ray Cornils Portland’s Municipal Organist Kotzschmar Festival Brass Parish Ringers Oratorio Chorale Emily Isaacson, Director Tickets $41, $35, $20 Reserved Seating www.porttix.com 207-842-0800 Merrill Auditorium 20 Myrtle Street, Portland, ME For More Info www.foko.org Find us on Facebook! 4 Program Notes by Linda Russell Angelus ad virginem 13th c. Latin carol Popular since medieval times, this cheerful carol tells the story of the Annunciation. It was probably Franciscan in origin and brought to Britain by French friars in the thirteenth century. Originally it had twenty-seven verses, each starting with a consecutive letter of the alphabet. Chaucer mentions it in his Miller's tale when the scholar Nicholas sings it, accompanied by his psaltery. Angelus ad virginem Subintrans in conclave. Virginis formidinum Demulcens inquit "Ave. Ave regina virginum, Coeliteraeque dominum Concipies Et paries Intacta, Salutem hominum. Tu porta coeli facta Medella criminum. The angel came to the virgin in her chamber, dispelling the fears of the virgin, and said: “Hail! Hail, queen of virgins; the Lord of earth and heaven you will conceive and bear, chaste, the salvation of men; you have been made the gates of heaven, the cleanser of crimes.” “Quomodo conciperem, quae virum non cognovi? Qualiter infringerem, quae firma mente vovi?” “Spiritus sancti gratia Perficiet haec omnia; Ne timaes, sed gaudeas, secura, quod castimonia Manebit in te pura Dei potentia.” “How shall I conceive when I have known no man? And how shall I break what I have vowed with a firm mind?” “The Holy Spirit by grace will accomplish all these things; do not be afraid, but rejoice, safe because your chastity shall remain untouched within you by the power of God.” Ad haec virgo nobilis Respondens inquit ei; “Ancilla sum humilis Omnipotentis Dei. Tibi coelesti nuntio, Tanta secreti conscio, Consentiens Et cupiens Videre factum quod audio, Parata sum parere Dei consilio.” To this the noble virgin replied and said to him: “I am the humble handmaiden of almighty God. With you, the heavenly messenger, I agree, and with so great a mystery, And wish to see accomplished what I hear; I am ready to obey the will of God.” 5 Angelus disparuit Etstatim puellaris Uterus intumuit Vi partus salutaris. Qui, circumdatus utero Novem mensium numero, Hinc Exiit Et iniit Conflictum, Affigens humero Crucem, qua dedit ictum Hosti mortifero. The angel disappeared, and at once the girl’s womb swelled up by the power of the birth of Salvation. He, having been contained in the womb for nine months, came out from it and entered the conflict, taking on his shoulder the Cross, by which he gave the blow to the mortal enemy. Eia Mater Domini, Quae pacem reddidisti Angelis et homini, Cum Christum genuisti; Tuem exora filium Ut se nobis propitium Exhibeat, Et deleat Peccata; Praestans auxilium Vita frui beta Post hoc exsilium. Accordingly, mother of the Lord, you who brought back peace to the angels and to man, when you bore Christ; beseech your son that he might show mercy upon us, and blot out our sins: and that he might help us to enjoy a blessed life after this time of exile. Verbum caro factum est 14th c. Latin Carol Found in the fourteenth-century Aosta manuscript, the text of this Latin carol comes from John 1:14 and was used as the final responsory of Christmas Matins. The Word is made flesh by the Verbum caro factum est de Virgin Mary. virgine Maria. Dies est leticie, Nam natus est hodie Filius de virgine, De virgine Maria! This is a joyful day, for today a Son is born of a virgin, of the Virgin Mary. Ovos omnes, psallite! Pace facta credite, Angelo nunciante, De Virgine Maria! Sing praises, everyone; believe that peace has come, through the message of an angel, by the Virgin Mary. Lux venit de Lumine In intacta Virgine; Noë! Noë! Dicite De Virgine Maria! The Light within a pure virgin comes from the Light; sing Nowell! Nowell! for the Virgin Mary. 6 Portam clausam graditus, Qui alcio geritur: Deus homo nascitur De virgine Maria. He proceeds through the closed gate, he who is born from on high; God is born a man by the Virgin Mary. Fatur a pastoribus, Dum natus est parvulus, Rex potens fortissimus, De Virgine Maria. It is told by the shepherds that a little Child is born, a great and mighty King is born of the Virgin Mary. O Jesu, quem credimus, Da salute omnibus Super in celestibus De Virgine Maria! O Jesu, in whom we believe, grant us all salvation among those who dwell above in heaven, through the Virgin Mary. Personent hodie voces puerulae (from Piae Cantiones, 1582) arr. Hoggard/Russell Both the tune and text for our processional are found in Piae Cantiones, a collection of anonymous Latin school and religious songs compiled by a Finnish student in 1582. The songs spread to Sweden, where they were still sung in schools in the 1700s. They remained popular in Finland through much of the nineteenth century. Personent hodie voces puerulae, laudantes iucunde qui nobis est natus, summo Deo datus, et de Virgineo ventre procreatus. Let youthful voices resound today praising joyously Him who is born to us, given of God on high and born of the Virgin’s womb. In mundo nascitur, pannis involvitur praesepi ponitur stabulo brutorum, Rector supernorum, perdidit spolia princeps infernorum. He is born on earth, is wrapped in cloths, is placed in a manger, in the animals’ stable. Ruler of heaven, prince of hell, he has done away with sin. Magi tres venerunt, munera offerunt, parvulum inquirunt, stellulam sequendo, ipsum adorando, aurum, thus, et myrrham ei offerendo. Wise men three have come; they offer gifts, they seek a babe by following a star, to worship him, to offer him gold, frankincense and myrrh. Omnes clericuli, pariter pueri, cantent ut angeli: advenisti mundo, laudes tibi fundo. ideo Gloria in excelsis Deo. Let all priests and young men alike sing as did the angels: You have come to earth. Glory to God in the highest. In dulci jubilo Michael Praetorius The original melody, found in a 1570 German publication, is called “a very ancient song (uraltes Lied) for Christmas Eve.” In parts of Germany where people retain old customs, the song is used as a Christmas Eve processional. Lutheran composer Michael Praetorius’s setting of In dulci jubilo for voices and four-part brass choir is included in his nine-volume Musae Sioniae which contains 1,244 chorale settings. Praetorius’s setting of In dulci jubilo is a lilting dance in 3/4 meter; the text is in two languages—Latin and German. 7 In sweet rejoicing, now sing and be glad! Our hearts' joy lies in the manger; And it shines like the sun You are the alpha and omega! In dulci jubilo, Nun singet und seid froh! Unsers Herzens Wonne Leit in praesepio; Und leuchtet wie die Sonne Alpha es et O! Verleih uns Frieden gnädiglich Felix Mendelssohn Felix Mendelssohn, grandson of the Jewish philosopher Moses Mendelssohn and son of an art-loving banker, grew up in a wealthy and intellectual home. His excellence in a number of roles—pianist, conductor, educator, organizer of musical events—brought him an adoring public, but also created a public career that taxed his energies and contributed to an early death. The text for this hymn is a translation by Martin Luther of the Latin Da Pacem Domine. Mendelssohn set only one verse of the original hymn, with different combinations of voices in a lyrical, contemplative style, which reflects the peaceful text. Mercifully grant us peace, Lord God, during our life on earth; There is indeed no other, Who could fight for us Than you, our God, alone. Verleih uns Frieden gnädiglich, Herr Gott, zu unser'n Zeiten, Es ist doch ja kein andrer nicht, Der für uns könnte streiten, Denn du, unser Gott alleine. From Messiah - George Frideric Handel, arr. Travis Ramsey Overture And the glory of the Lord For unto us a child is born Hallelujah (1685-1759) George Frideric Handel’s oratorio Messiah premiered in 1741 and has become a musical landmark in the English-speaking world. Travis Ramsey graduated from the University of Southern Maine School of Music in 2003 and earned his Master of Music in Music Education from Boston University in 2011. He is also the founder of Kenmore Studios, a music publishing business. In 2007 The Choral Art Society commissioned Ramsey to create a brass quintet arrangement of several movements from Messiah. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. Isaiah 40:5 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 Hallelujah! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ. And He shall reign for ever and ever. King of kings, and Lord of lords. Hallelujah! 8 Intrada Alfred Reed Alfred Reed, a prolific and frequently performed composer, was born in New York, and served in the Army Air Force Band during World War II, followed by study at Juilliard. A longtime faculty member at the University of Miami, he had composition commissions at the time of his death that would have taken him to the age of 115! Welcome all wonders Richard Dirksen American musician and composer Richard Wayne Dirksen was organist and choirmaster of the Washington National Cathedral from 1977-1988. From 1969 until his retirement in 1991 he was the cathedral’s precentor with oversight of all worship services. Dirksen composed extensively, mostly choral and organ works. He composed the fanfare-like Welcome all wonders for chorus, organ, and brass for an NBC Christmas Day telecast live from the Cathedral in 1975. Welcome all wonders in one sight! Eternity shut in a span. Summer in winter, day in night, Heaven in earth, and God in man. Ave verum Karl Jenkins Welsh composer Karl Jenkins, whose father was a church organist, studied classical music in Wales and England, but in his early musical career he composed advertising jingles and performed in jazz and rock bands. More classical compositions date from 1995 and later. His Ave Verum is a gently rocking setting of the fourteenth-century Eucharistic hymn composed for bass-baritone Bryn Terfel. An optional second voice part by Jenkins creates a “hauntingly beautiful duet.” Ave verum corpus Natum de Maria Virgine. Vere passum, immolatum In cruce pro homine. Cujus latus perforatum Fluxit aqua et sanguine. Esto nobis praegustatum Mortis in examine. Jesu dulcis! Jesu pie, Fili Mariae. Amen. Hail, true body, Born of the Virgin Mary, Truly suffered, sacrificed On the cross for mankind. Whose pierced side Flowed with water and blood. Be for us a foretaste In the trial of death. Sweet Jesus! Blessed Jesus, Son of Mary. Amen. Join Us for Our Winter Sing-Along! Handel's Messiah Sing-Along Monday, December 14, 2015 at 7:30pm Annual Food drive for Project FEED Woodfords Congregational Church Sanctuary, Portland, ME $5 at the Door, Students Free And Save the Date for our Summer Sing-Along: June 20, 2016! 9 Christmas Day Gustav Holst English composer Gustav Holst studied at the Royal College of Music. The music of Grieg, Wagner, Richard Strauss, and Vaughan Williams influenced Holst’s early style; however, the combined influence of Ravel, Hindu spiritualism and English folk tunes freed him to forge his own path. Holst composed Christmas Day for his students at Morley College. “After conventional settings of Good Christian men, rejoice and God rest ye merry, gentlemen, Holst takes the unusual step of presenting Come, ye lofty, come, ye lowly and The first Nowell simultaneously. The music drifts away to the same gentle alto line that began, giving the impression of a group of neighborhood carolers who, having passed by, bid a warm farewell for the season.” (Gary D. Cannon) See, in Mary’s arms reposing, Christ by highest heav’n adored; Come, your circle round him closing, Pious hearts that love the Lord. 1. Good Christian men, rejoice With heart, and soul, and voice; Give ye heed to what we say: News! News! Jesus Christ is born today: Ox and ass before him bow, And he is in the manger now. Christ is born today! 6. The first Nowell the angels did say, Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, On a cold winter’s night that was so deep. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel. 2. God rest you merry, gentlemen, Let nothing you dismay, Remember Christ our Saviour Was born on Christmas day, To save us all from woe and sin, When we were gone astray. O tidings of comfort and joy. 7. Come, ye poor, no pomp of station Robes the child your hearts adore: He, the Lord of all salvation, Shares your want, is weak and poor: Oxen, round about behold them; Rafters naked, cold and bare, See the shepherds, God has told them That the Prince of Life lies there. 3. In Bethlehem, in Jewry, This blessed Babe was born, And laid within a manger, Upon that holy morn; The which his mother, Mary, Did nothing take in scorn. O tidings of comfort and joy. 8. Come, ye children, blithe and merry, This one child your model make; Christmas holly, leaf and berry, All be prized for his dear sake; Come, ye gentle hearts, and tender, Come, ye spirits, keen and bold; All in all your homage render, Weak and mighty, young and old. 4. Good Christian men, rejoice With heart, and soul, and voice; Now ye hear of endless bliss: Joy! Joy! Jesus Christ was born for this! He hath oped the heav’nly door, And man is blessed evermore. Christ was born for this! 9. High above a star is shining, And the Wisemen haste from far: Come, glad hearts, and spirits pining: For you all has risen the star. Let us bring our poor oblations, Thanks and love and faith and praise: Come, ye people, come, ye nations, All in all draw nigh to gaze. 5. Come, ye lofty, come, ye lowly, Let your songs of gladness ring; In a stable lies the Holy, In a manger rests the King; 10 11. Good Christian men, rejoice With heart, and soul, and voice; Now ye need not fear the grave: Peace! Peace! Jesus Christ was born to save! Calls you one, and calls you all, To gain his everlasting hall: Christ was born to save! 10. Now to the Lord sing praises, All you within this place, And with true love and brotherhood Each other now embrace; This holy tide of Christmas All others doth deface. O tidings of comfort and joy. Hark! the herald-angels sing Felix Mendelssohn The words to this familiar Christmas carol, written by Charles Wesley (1707-1788), appeared in Hymns and Sacred Poems in 1739. The original opening line, “Hark! how all the welkin rings,” became the current familiar wording. Felix Mendelssohn composed the tune as part of Festgesang (1840), a cantata honoring printer Johann Gutenberg and commemorating the invention of the printing press. William Cummings put text and tune together. The audience is invited to sing the first and third stanzas 1. Hark! The herald-angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King;" Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled; Joyful all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies, With th’angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem." Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!" 3. Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings Ris'n with healing in His wings; Mild He lays His glory by Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! The herald angels sing "Glory to the newborn King!" 2. Christ, by highest heav'n adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord; Late in time behold him come Offspring of a virgin's womb: Veiled in flesh the God-head see, Hail th'incarnate Deity! Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Hark! the herald-angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King." He Never Failed Me Yet Robert Ray Composer and conductor Robert Ray is in demand as an adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor. For many years he lead the St. Louis Symphony and Chorus in A Gospel Christmas concert. With its driving rhythms He Never Failed Me Yet is a powerful gospel song which depicts the trust people have in God by recounting miracles from the Old Testament. He is my God and I’ll serve Him, No matter what the test. Trust and never doubt, Jesus will surely bring you out, He never failed me yet. I will sing of God’s mercy, Every day, every hour, He gives me power. I will sing and give thanks to Thee For all the dangers, toils and snares That He has brought me out. 11 Didn’t my God deliver Moses from King Pharaoh? And didn’t He cool the fiery furnace For Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? When I think of what my God can do, He delivered Daniel, I know He will deliver you. Trust and never doubt, Jesus will surely bring you out, He never failed me yet. I know God is able to deliver in time of storm. And I know that He’ll keep you Safe from all earthly harm. One day when my weary soul is at rest, I’m going home to be forever blessed. Trust and never doubt, Jesus will surely bring you out, He never failed me yet. We Wish You a Merry Christmas (English traditional) arr. Arthur Warrell We Wish You a Merry Christmas is a sixteenth-century carol from the West Country of England. Groups of traveling carolers entertained for pay or food, perhaps singing this song. Silent Night Franz Gruber On Christmas Eve, 1818 the Austrian organist Franz Gruber composed his one published work, the music for the poem Stille Nacht by the local curate, Josef Mohr. The church organ was out of commission due to recent flooding, so Gruber and Mohr first performed the carol with guitar accompaniment. Linda Russell, an active member of Maine Music Teachers Association and an independent piano teacher, lives in Portland with her longtime spouse. 12 december 16 at 7:30PM merrill auditorium december 12 & 13 at 2PM Westbrook performing arts center The Victorian Nutcracker 517 Forest Avenue Suite #2 Portland, ME, 04101 portlandballet.org 13 207-772-9671 THE MAGAZINE Robert Russell, music director Dr. Robert Russell cannot remember a time when he did not sing. The Baptist tradition in Roanoke, Virginia during his formative years offered singing instruction in choirs for children as early as first grade. Bob started piano lessons in second grade, and the combination of those lessons plus the numerous opportunities to perform in church as a singer, pianist and conductor laid the groundwork for a career as a musician. with Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ, Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra, USM Wind Ensemble, Musica de Filia and many other regional organization stand out. His work as music educator—at USM, as guest musician for festival choruses, and as clinician with individual high school choruses—has been deeply satisfying. In retirement Bob will reside in Portland, living and traveling with his wife Linda, a pianist and author of numerous program notes for his choral concerts. He will continue as music director The Choral Art Society and welcomes invitations to work with your choir. Dan Moore, accompanist Mr. Moore has been the accompanist for The Choral Art Society since 2001. Dan plays full-time at the Mount Washington Hotel. He also does a wide variety of freelance work in many different musical styles. When not earning a living playing the piano, Dan likes to bust his knuckles disassembling old rust bucket vehicles in order to let out the evil spirits. He has studied music with Russell Hayton, Phillip Steinhouse, Geno Haggerty, and Clarence Snyder, among others. Dan currently lives in North Bridgton with his wife Nan Beury, along with four cats, more chickens, and even more bees. At Wake Forest University Bob sampled music, math, and physics before choosing religion as a major. At the University of North Carolina he studied with Dr. Lara Hoggard, an associate of Fred Waring and one of the pioneers in choral singing in America. Further graduate study at the University of Colorado with Dr. Lynn Whitten in choral literature and performance and Dr. Barbara Doscher in vocal pedagogy prepared him for a career as a choral conductor and teacher of choralvocal pedagogy. Bob came to Portland in 1979 as professor of music at the University of Southern Maine and music director of The Choral Art Society. He concluded a 36-year tenure at USM in 2015 and was named professor emeritus. His time in Portland has been rich, the highlights many. CAS has presented numerous concerts with orchestra, many under the auspices of the Portland Symphony Orchestra. Portland Brass Quintet is one of the area's most versatile chamber music ensembles. Critically acclaimed for its high quality performances and wide-ranging repertoire, the group presents concerts in a relaxed, personable style, making the quintet an ideal choice for newcomers to chamber music. The quintet is committed to Maine's young people, offering innovative and diverse educational programs for all ages. Notable performances include Verdi’s Requiem, Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, Bach’s Mass in B Minor, Bach’s Passion According to St. John, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, and the Brahms Requiem several times, including a riveting performance in 1991 with distinguished guest conductor Robert Shaw. Several collaborative concerts with Portland Ballet, including a dynamic Carmina Burana in 2003, as well as concerts 14 ORDER TODAY FOR BEST SEATS! December 11- 20 Merrill Auditorium Robert Moody, conductor Norman Huynh, assistant conductor Magic of Christmas Chorus CIRQUE de la SYMPHONIE, special guest artists Join Robert Moody and special guests for Maine’s finest holiday extravaganza! Experience the Magic for yourself! Tickets start at just $25! PortlandSymphony.org or (207) 842-0800 for tickets! 15 Choral Art Singers Robert Russell, music director; Dan Moore, accompanist Sopranos Dawn Anderson Maria Anderson Sarah Bailey Nancy Etnier Susan Frank Anne Grady Heather Guilfoyle Molly Harmon Judith Harrison Caroline Koelker Marilee Pillsbury Heidi Seitz Bryn Sewell Allie Taylor Joyce Walworth GenieWheelwright Altos Tenors Aileen Andrews Christy Comeau-Pierce Ann Elderkin Andrea Graichen Tracy Hawkins Pam Jackson Ginny Pomeroy Donna Smith Barbara Sutcliffe Fran Wilson Stuart Bailey Gordon Gayer Peter Gray Bradford Longfellow Patrick Martin Joseph Seale Jonathan Smith Simon Smith David White Basses Peter Blackwell Jim Bucknam Mac Davis David Emery Robert Goettel Marshall Green Mark Johnson Lars Loren Nate Menifield Peter Plumb Justin Roux Richard Sullivan Richard van Bergen Board of Directors Barbara Kapp, President David Nicklas, Treasurer Elizabeth Serrage, Secretary Peter Plumb, Clerk Melissa Rodrigue Heidi Seitz Richard Sullivan Richard van Bergen Sam Wilson Michael Boyd Christy Comeau-Pierce Melissa Duffy Andrea Graichen Marshall Green Mark Johnson Carolyn Paulin Staff Robert Russell, Music Director Kathleen Grammer, Executive Director Andrew Cavacco, Administrative Assistant Gail Knowles, Personnel Manager Thank you to our Business Partners Support from the community has been a critical component of the Choral Art Society’s success throughout our 44--year history as a nonprofit organization. We extend our deep thanks to our 2015-2016 CAS Season Partners in the Arts. 16 The Choral Art Society Donors Thank you to all who contribute to the Choral Art Society! This list includes gifts to the annual campaign received between November 11, 2014 and November 11, 2015. Please notify us of any errors or omissions by calling 207-828-0043, or email info@choralart.org. DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE The Director’s Circle has been established to honor contributions of $1,000 or more. MAESTRO ($2,500-$4,999) Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Sheehan David and Deborah Nicklas Peter and Pam Plumb Linda and Robert Russell Richard and Louise Sullivan Richard and Elsa van Bergen Samuel and Frances Wilson Rita Zanichkowsky IMPRESARIO ($1,000-$2,499) Christy and Brian Comeau-Pierce Melissa Duffy Marshall Green Barbara Kapp Virtuoso ($500-999) Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church Peter and Pat Bagg Mary J. Batsakis James Bucknam and Ann Elderkin Dana and Andrea Graichen Margaret B. and Dwight Robinson Joan M. Ross Joseph Seale and A. Merrill Henderson Brad and Heidi Seitz John and Elizabeth Serrage Jane and Alexander Stevens Soloist ($250-499) Michael Boyd Jennifer Friedman Gordon K. Gayer and Elaine Falender Johann and Linda Gouws Tracy and Tim Hawkins Kenneth and Mary Nelson Dr. Charles and Eugenia O'Brien John and Karen O'Brien Juergen and Joan Renger Richard and Joan Rogers Anne Russell Doris S. Stockly WEX Breda and David White Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand L. Wyckoff, Jr. Chorister ($100-249) David and Thea Abbiati Dr. and Mrs. Altemus Sarah and Stuart Bailey Madge Baker Peter and Connie Bingham Nicolaus Bloom Prof. and Mrs. John Carman Andre Chasse Ray E. Cornils Susan B. and Howard Dana Harold and Ann Ertman Phyllis and Joseph Gaschott Gordon K. Gayer and Elaine Falender Robert and Tish Goettel Kathleen Grammer Barbara and John Graustein Gary Harmon Alison D. Hildreth William S. Holt Mark Johnson Peter Johnson Brigitte and Hal Kingsbury Sterling Kozlowski James and Katherine Ledwith Kathleen and Peter Leslie Lars Loren Dr. Chris Lutes Abigail Manny Peter and Eve-Susan McPheeters Don Murray Evelyn S. Newlyn Virginia and Greg Pomeroy Nancy and Lloyd Porter Sally Rand Larry and Robin Rubinstein Julia Sheridan Maggie and James Stevens Ann Staples Waldron Robert and Julia Walkling Joyce Walworth Genie and Nat Wheelwright Barbara M. White Margaret H. Wise Anne Woodbury Koch Judy Harrison Davis and Jane Hartwell Anita B. Jones George O. Jones, Jr. Gail and Daniel Knowles Don and Hilda Nicoll Carolyn Paulin and Paul Vermel Cay Alexion Peirce Anne M. Powell Marguerite Prentice Stan Scott Robert Stoddard Carolyn Thomas John Todd Meg Wheeler Aficionado ($10-99) Joanna Baker Dolores L. Bergeron Marsha R. Bingler Peter Blackwell Peter Bowman Eleanore B. Carver Jean M.B. Chapman John Cunningham David Emery Sara Foster and Georgia Memorial Gifts John W. Philbrick Sr. Margaret Philbrick Foundation and Organization Gifts Choral Arts New England Maine Humanities Council Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust Please accept our apologies for any errors or omissions. Thank you to TEBO Marketing and Design for their work on our website and ArtsPeople for our ticketing platform 17 Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Bishop David Bacon of Brooklyn, New York priest and bishop in the United States. Born in initiated plans for a Cathedral when he was Georgia, he was the son of an Irish immigrant assigned to the Diocese of Portland as its first father and his African slave-born wife. Ordained as bishop in 1855. At the time, the diocese Portland's bishop in 1875, Healy served included all of New Hampshire as well as this diocese until his death in 1900. The Maine. The Cathedral was designed in 3,336 pipe organ was built in 1869 by the Gothic Revival style by Irish immigrant prestigious Henry Erben Company of Patrick Charles Keely, a prolific and New York. It is Maine’s second largest prominent architect of Catholic churches organ after the renowned Kotzschmar in the United States in the mid-to-late organ, located in Portland’s Merrill 1800s. Construction was interrupted in Auditorium. Installed in 1930, the 1860 by the Civil War. The chapel Stations of the Cross scenes portray was finished and Cathedral walls the passion and death of Christ. almost completed when the “Great Each contains 6000 pieces, hand Fire of Portland” swept through on crafted in Venetian glass mosaics. July 4, 1866. Quickly rebuilt, the The altars are made of exquisite Cathedral was dedicated on marble. Statues are located below September 8, 1869. Gothic the clerestory windows. Saint photo credit: Stephen Fazio architectural elements include the Patrick and Saint Basil, center, are vaulted construction, tall asymmetrical bell towers, the two minor patron saints of the Cathedral. the centrally located main entrance under a Surrounding them on each side are four angels stained-glass rose window, and the lancet-shaped and 10 of the 12 apostles. The baptismal font was windows. The stained glass windows are made of designed in 1921 by the eminent Italian artisan, Munich glass by the prestigious Franz Meyer A.P. Nardine. The dome above is carved from one Studios. The vestibule’s Millennium Foyer contains piece of marble, and the Risen Christ atop it was the display case of Bishop James Healy’s personal inspired by one in Italy created by Michelangelo. articles. Healy was the first African-American Save the Date! April 27, 2016 Prelude to Spring Song A Bird's-Eye View of The Choral Art Society More information to come, visit our website at www.choralart.org 18 The Choral Art Society Robert Russell, music director presents An Epiphany Celebration featuring The Choral Art Camerata Williston-Immanuel United Church, Portland, Maine Sunday January 3, 2016, 2:30 pm O magnum mysterium Tomás Luis de Victoria (1548–1611) Deutsches Magnificat Heinrich Schütz (1585–1672) Alma Redemptoris Mater Johannes Ockeghem (1410–1497) Tota pulchra es, Maria Ola Gjeilo b. 1978 Ave Maria Javier Busto b. 1949 Magnificat—“The Advent” Elisabeth Marshall, soprano James Kallembach INTERMISSION Adam lay ibounden Hubert Bird b. 1939 Joseph, lieber Joseph mein Seth Calvisius (1556–1615) Es ist ein Ros entsprungen German Christmas Carol Molly Harmon, soprano A Spotless Rose Paul Mealor b. 1975 19 Five Carols Sing we the Virgin Mary John Jacob Niles (1892–1980) Sarah Bailey, soprano and Patrick Martin, tenor Lullay, my liking Gustav Holst (1874–1934) Nate Menifield, baritone—Dawn Anderson, mezzo-soprano Ginny Pomeroy, alto —Stuart Bailey, tenor Puer nobis nascitur (Unto us is born a Son) arr. by Keyte and Parrott I wonder as I wander John Adams, bass-baritone Appalachian Carol All my heart this night rejoices Premiere performance Winner 2015 New England Carol Contest Jonathan David b. 1965 Esto les Digo Molly Harmon, soprano Kinley Lange b. 1950 Save the Date! April 27, 2016 Prelude to Spring Song A Bird's-Eye View of The Choral Art Society More information to come, visit our website at www.choralart.org 20 The arts enrich all our lives. A community is more than a collection of homes and businesses. It’s also the institutions that improve our lives through art, music, dance, and theater. KeyBank supports a wide range of arts organizations, because we know that a vibrant cultural scene is vital to bringing the people of our communities closer through their shared appreciation of the diverse talents they provide. That’s why KeyBank is a proud sponsor of The Choral Arts Society’s Christmas at the Cathedral. KeyBank helps people and businesses thrive. Learn more. Visit your local branch. Key.com is federally registered service mark of KeyCorp. ©2015 KeyCorp. KeyBank is a Member FDIC. 51332 21 key.com Program Notes by Linda Russell O magnum mysterium Tomás Luis de Victoria Tomás Luis de Victoria delete dates if included on program page, the most noted Spanish composer of the Renaissance, began his musical career as a choirboy at the Cathedral in Avila. While studying for the priesthood in Rome, it is possible that he studied with Palestrina, whom he succeeded as musical director of the Collegium Romanum in 1571. He wrote exclusively sacred compositions: approximately 60 motets and 20 masses. Most of his masses are “imitation” or “parody” compositions based on a preexisting polyphonic work, usually a motet. Victoria based the Missa O magnum mysterium (1592) on his motet setting (1572) of this Christmas responsory. “Its haunting beauty and mystic awe over Christ’s birth have appealed to generation after generation of singers.” (Collins) O magnum mysterium, et admirable sacramentum, Ut animalia viderent Dominum natum, Jacentem in praesepio! O beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Jesum Christum. Alleluia! O great mystery and wondrous sacrament, That animals should see the Lord born And lying in a manger! O blessed virgin, whose womb was worthy to bear The Lord Jesus Christ. Alleluia! Deutsches Magnificat, Meine Seele erhebt den Herren, SWV 494 Heinrich Schütz On his deathbed, the great Venetian master, Giovanni Gabrieli, gave his signet ring to his favorite protégé, the young Heinrich Schütz delete dates if included on program page. This gesture marked the start of Schütz's long successful career. Heralded in his time by musicians as Northern Europe's greatest composer, and prized by royalty as the finest of court musicians, his music is rarely heard or performed today. The music of Schütz represents the stylistic transition between the polyphony of the Renaissance and the stile moderno of the early Baroque. Schütz composed six settings of the Magnificat, five in German and one in Latin; only three German settings and the Latin setting survive. Mary sings this song during her visit to Elizabeth as recorded in Luke 1:39-56. Schütz composed the Deutsches Magnificat in 1671, shortly before his death. He returned to the earlier double choir, antiphonal style of Gabrieli and the Venetian school. This comparative austerity was a direct consequence of the Thirty Years War, the devastating effects of which were still being acutely felt more than twenty years after its cessation. In such times of hardship, excessive musical extravagance would have been inappropriate, and in any case the financial and human resources were simply no longer available. (Bawden) My soul doth magnify the Lord: and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the lowliness of his hand maiden. For behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed. He hath showed strength with his arm: He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble and the lowly. Meine Seele erhebt den Herren, Und mein Geist freuet sich Gottes, meines Heilandes. Denn er hat die Niedrigkeit seiner Magd angesehen. Siehe, von nun an werden mich selig preisen alle Kindeskind. Denn er hat grosse Ding’ an mir getan, Der da mächtig ist und des Name heilig ist. Er übet Gewalt mit seinem Arm Und zerstreut, die hoffärtig sind in ihres Herzens Sinn. 22 He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away. He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel: as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed, for ever. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Er stösset die Gewaltigen vom Stuhl Und erhöhet die Niedrigen. Die Hungerigen füllet er mit Gütern, Und lässet die Reichen leer. Er denket der Barmherzigkeit Und hilft seinem Diener Israel auf, Wie er gered’t hat zu unsern Vätern, Abraham und seinem Samenin ewiglich. Ehre sei dem Vater und dem Sohn und auch dem Heiligen Geiste, Wie es war im Anfang, jetzt und immerdar und von Ewigkeit zu Ewigkeit. Amen. Alma Redemptoris Mater Johannes Ockeghem Considered the most famous composer of the late fifteenth-century Franco-Flemish School, Johannes Ockeghem was also renowned as a singer, choirmaster, and teacher; his most famous student was Josquin des Prez. Ockeghem was not a prolific composer and some of his compositions are lost. He composed twelve masses, a Credo sine nomine, ten motets, and twenty-one chansons. Alma Redemptoris Mater is a four-voice motet based on an eleventh-century Marian antiphon, a responsory sung during Advent. John Ehrlich states that Alma Redemptoris Mater shows “Ockeghem’s characteristic and groundbreaking expansion of the range of voice parts, especially the bass. What one remembers most, though, is this composer’s wonderful gift for melodic expression, with each voice part a beautiful melody of its own.” Alma Redemptoris Mater, quae pervia caeli porta manes, et stella maris, succurre cadenti surgere qui curat populo. Tu quae genuisti, natura mirante, tuum sanctum Genitorem, Virgo prius ac posterius, Gabrielis ab ore sumens illud Ave, peccatorum miserere. Loving Mother of the Redeemer, who remains the gate by which we mortals enter heaven, and star of the sea, help your fallen people who strive to rise. You who gave birth, amazing nature, to your sacred Creator, Virgin prior and following, taking from the mouth of Gabriel that Hail, have mercy on our sins. Tota pulchra es, Maria Ola Gjeilo Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo delete date if included on program page moved to the United States in 2001 to begin composition studies at Juilliard. He especially enjoys composing for choir, orchestra and symphonic winds, and the piano. Tota pulchra es, Maria consists of three contrasting sections, all on the beautiful Maria text, each section with its own style. Tota pulchra es, Maria, et macula originalis non est in te. Vestimentum tuum candidum quasi nix, et facies tua sicut sol. Tu gloria Jerusalem, tu laetitia Israel, tu honorificentia populi nostri, Maria. You are all beautiful, Mary, and the original stain [of sin] is not in you. Your clothing is white as snow, and your face is like the sun. You are the glory of Jerusalem, you are the joy of Israel, you give honor to our people, Mary. 23 Ave Maria Javier Busto Basque composer Javier Busto delete date if included on program page graduated university as a medical doctor, but he is a self-taught musician who is internationally known as a composer and choral conductor. In 1995 he founded a women's choir, Kanta Cantemus Korua. His choirs have won first place awards in France, Italy, Austria and Germany. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and in the hour of our death. Amen. Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Jesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen. Magnificat “The Advent” James Kallembach James Kallembach holds a doctorate of music degree in choral conducting from Indiana University and is currently Director of Choral Activities at the University of Chicago. He chose two texts for his composition: The Advent, a poem by Alice Christina Thompson, set for soprano soloist above a choral setting of the familiar Gregorian Magnificat text. The University of Southern Maine Chamber Singers premiered the Magnificat in 2014. No sudden thing of glory and fear Was the Lord's coming; but the dear Slow Nature's days followed each other To form the Saviour from his Mother one of the children of the year. The earth, the rain, received the trust, The sun and dews, to frame the Just. He drew his daily life from these. According to his own decrees Who makes man from the fertile dust. Sweet summer and the winter wild, These brought him forth, the Undefiled. The happy Springs renewed again His daily bread, the growing grain, The food and raiment of the Child. My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden. For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath magnified me and holy is his Name. And his mercy is on them that fear him throughout all generations. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seat and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the hungry with good things and the rich he hath sent empty away. He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel As he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed forever. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 24 Adam lay ibounden Hubert Bird Composer, conductor, and tenor soloist Hubert Bird if included on program page was on the faculty of the Music Department of Keene State College from 1967-1997. Adam lay ybounden is a fifteenth-century English text of unknown authorship, perhaps sung by a wandering minstrel. Adam lay ybounden, Bounden in a bond; Four thousand winter, Thought he not too long. Ne had the apple také been, The apple také been, Ne hadde never our Lady, Abeen heav'ne queen. And all was for apple, An apple that he took. As clerkes finden, Written in their book. Blessed be the time That apple také was. Therefore we moun singen. Deo gratias! Joseph, lieber Joseph mein Seth Calvisius From 1594 until his death German music theorist, composer, and teacher Seth Calvisius was Cantor of the St. Thomaskirke in Leipzig (J.S. Bach’s post in the eighteenth century). The text and music of Joseph, lieber Joseph mein appear in manuscripts as early as the fourteenth century, possibly originating as a folk song. It was often used in musical dramatizations of the Christmas story in many German churches. Calvisius chose a combination of German and Latin words for his six-voice version of the carol. Joseph lieber, Joseph mein, Hilf mir wiegen mein Kindelein. Schlafe, liebes Kindelein. Eia, eia, eia! Joseph, my dear Joseph, Help me rock my little child. Sleep now, my darling child. Hey, hey, hey! Sunt impleta quae praedixit Gabriel. Eia, eia, eia! It is as was foretold by Gabriel. Hey, hey, hey! Virgo Deum genuit, Quod divina voluit clementia. The Virgin has given birth to God As He wished in His divine mercy. Es ist ein Ros entsprungen German Christmas Carol Es ist ein Ros entsprungen is a Christmas carol and Marian hymn of German origin. The text is an anonymous sixteenth-century poem, the most familiar tune first appeared in 1599, and German composer Michael Praetorius composed the familiar harmonization in 1609. Catherine Winkworth translated the first two verses of the hymn as A Spotless Rose. A rose has sprung up, from a tender root, as the old ones sang to us, its lineage was from Jesse and it has brought forth a floweret in the middle of the cold winter, well at half the night. Es ist ein Ros entsprungen, aus einer Wurzel zart, wie uns die Alten sungen, von Jesse war die Art und hat ein Blümlein bracht mitten im kalten Winter, wohl zu der halben Nacht. 25 A Spotless Rose Paul Mealor Welsh composer Paul Mealor delete date if included on program page has taught at the University of Aberdeen since 2003. Performance of Ubi Caritas at the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in April, 2011 catapulted him to international attention. A Spotless Rose is the fourth madrigal in his set Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal. Mealor uses rich, dense chords to convey the image of Jesus’ birth. The Rose which I am singing, Whereof Isaiah said, Is from its sweet root springing In Mary, purest Maid; Through God’s great love and might The Blessed Babe she bare us Amid the cold, cold winter And the dark midnight. A Spotless Rose is growing, Sprung from a tender root, Of ancient seers’ foreshowing, Of Jesse promised fruit; Its fairest bud unfolds to light Amid the cold, cold winter And the dark midnight. Now sleeps the crimson petal. Amen. Five Carols Sing we the Virgin Mary John Jacob Niles Niles collected this carol in Kentucky in 1933 and published it in 1948. The New Oxford Book of Carols states: “If true, this would appear to be a near-miraculous survival of the fifteenth-century English carol text I Sing of a Maiden That Is Makeless.” Sing we the Virgin Mary, Sing we that matchless one; See how the angels attended her When she birthed God's own Son. When Jesus was a-borning To earth came heaven down, To lie upon a manger Away in Bethlem’s town. So silently came our Jesus Unto his sweet Mary, As dew in April falleth On flower so tenderly. Ah, blessed Maiden Mother, Beknown to prophecy: Now Jesus is a-borned And all men knoweth thee. Lullay, my liking Gustav Holst English composer Gustav Holst, best-known for his composition The Planets, studied music at the Royal College of Music in London. He wrote a considerable amount of accompanied and unaccompanied choral music, including Lullay, my liking a Christmas partsong. That Eternal Lord is he that made alle thing; Of alle lordes he is Lord, Of every king he's King. Refrain Lullay, my liking, my dear son, my sweeting; Lullay, my dear heart, mine own dear darling. There was mickle melody at that Childes birth: Though the songsters were heavenly they made mickle mirth. I saw a fair maiden sitten and sing: She lulled a little child, a sweete lording. 26 Pray we now to that Child As to His Mother dear God grant them all his blessing that now maken cheer! Angels bright they sang that night and saiden to that Child: “Blessed be thou and so be she that is so meek and mild!” Puer nobis nascitur (Unto us is born a Son) arranged by Keyte and Parrott The familiar fourteenth-century German Christmas carol Puer nobis nascitur was first published in the 1582 Finnish songbook Piae Cantiones. Robert Cummings notes, “Its text speaks of the birth of Christ and of his mission on Earth. The melody is glorious in its triumphant character and ecstatic devotional sense...a radiant hymn of strong appeal, brighter and more colorful than most of the chants emerging from and before the fourteenth century.” Puer nobis nascitur Rector angelorum In hoc mundo pascitur Dominus Dominorum. Unto us is born a son, Ruler of the Angels The Lord of Lords Is nurtured in this world. In presepe ponitur Sub feno asinorum Cognoverunt Dominum Christum Regem Celorum. He is placed in a manger Where asses feed They recognized the Lord Christ, King of Heaven. Qui natus ex Maria Die hodierna Perduc nos cum gracia Ad gaudia superna. You who were born of Mary On this day Lead us joyfully To the highest joys. O et O et O et O Benedicamus Domino O and O and O and O Let us bless the Lord. A et A et A et A Deo dicamus gracias. A and A and A and A Thanks be to God. I wonder as I wander (Appalachian carol) arr. Carl Rütti The Christmas folk hymn, I Wonder as I Wander, was composed by American folklorist and singer John Jacob Niles (1892-1980) from a song fragment he collected in 1933. An American composer, singer, and collector of traditional music, Niles is called the “Dean of American Balladeers” and greatly influenced the American folk music revival of the 1950s and 1960s. I wonder as I wander out under the sky How Jesus, the Saviour, did come for to die For poor ornery people like you and like I; I wonder as I wander out under the sky. When Mary birthed Jesus, 'twas in a cow's stall With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all. But high from God's heaven a star's light did fall, And the promise of ages it then did recall. 27 If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing: A star in the sky or a bird on the wing; Or all of God's angels in heaven to sing, He surely could have had it, 'cause he was the King! All my heart this night rejoices Jonathan David Paul Gerhardt (1607-1676) who ranks next to Martin Luther as the most gifted hymn writer of the Lutheran Church, wrote the hymn text Fröhlich soll mein herze springen. In the mid-nineteenth century Catherine Winkworth translated many German hymns. American composer Jonathan David composed the “gently dancing” arrangement of All my heart this night rejoices sung by The Choral Art Society Camerata in this premiere performance, as we recognize Mr. David as the winner of the 2015 New England Carol Contest, sponsored by CAS. All my heart this night rejoices, As I hear, far and near, sweetest angel voices; “Christ is born,” their choirs are singing, Till the air, everywhere, now with joy is ringing. Hark! a voice from yonder manger, Soft and sweet, does entreat, “Flee from woe and danger; Brethren, come; from all that grieves you You are freed; all you need I will surely give you.” Come then, let us hasten yonder; Here let all, great and small, kneel in awe and wonder. Love Him who with love is yearning; Hail the star that from far bright with hope is burning. You who pine in weary sadness, Weep no more, for the door now is found of gladness. Cling to Him for He will guide you Where no cross, pain or loss, can again betide you. You, dear Lord, with heed I'll cherish; Live to you, and with you, dying, shall not perish; But shall dwell with you forever, Far on high, in the joy that can alter never. Lully, lully, lu. Esto les digo (San Mateo 18:19-20) Kinley Lange Kinley Lange, composer, arranger and clinician, began his musical studies with his mother and received his undergraduate and master's degrees from the University of Hawaii and doctorate in composition and choral conducting at the University of Texas at Austin. Lange comments, “Making music with and for other people is the finest kind of community—an intimacy that makes us more than we are individually, connects us to each other in powerful ways and illuminates before us the path to feeling and passion.” Esto les digo is a simple homophonic setting of Matthew 18:19-20. Esto les digo, si dos de ustedes se ponen, 28 se ponen en acuerdo aquí en, en la tierra para pedir, pedir algo en oración, mi padre que está en el cielo, se lo dará. Porque donde dos o tres se reúnen en mi nombre, allí estoy yo, en medio de ellos. This I say to you, if two of you are put, are put in accord here in, in the earth to ask, to ask anything in prayer, my Father which is in heaven, will give it to you. Because where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I, in the midst of them. Linda Russell, an active member of Maine Music Teachers Association and an independent piano teacher, lives in Portland with her longtime spouse. “In its beginnings, music was merely chamber music, meant to be listened to in a small space by a small audience.” - Gustav Mahler Jennifer Elowitch Artistic Director pcmf.org 29 Choral Art Camerata Robert Russell, music director Sopranos Dawn Anderson Sarah Bailey Molly Harmon Heidi Seitz Altos Andrea Graichen Ginny Pomeroy Barbara Sutcliffe Tenors Stuart Bailey Patrick Martin Jesse Wakeman Basses John D. Adams Jim Bucknam Trevor Lavenbein Nate Menifield Robert Stoddard Elisabeth Marshall has been praised by OPERA NEWS for her “radiant soprano” in James Kallembach’s Four Romantic Songs on the Brooklyn Art Song Society’s studio album New Voices (Roven Records, 2015). In demand as a concert soloist, Ms. Marshall made her Chicago Symphony Center debut in Messiah (Apollo Chorus), has performed Bach’s Mattëuspassion under Helmuth Rilling at the Oregon Bach Festival, Beethoven’s Choral Fantasia with CBE Raymond Leppard (Indianapolis Symphony), and Mozart’s Requiem at Rochester Cathedral (England). Equally at home on the opera stage, she has been hailed for her “precision” and “technical skill” as the Queen of the Night in Mozart’s The Magic Flute in London, and has also been seen as Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus, Elisetta in Il matrimonio segreto, and Rosabella in The Most Happy Fella. Ms. Marshall has sung professionally with the Wexford Festival Opera, the London Philharmonia Chorus, and Carmel and Oregon Bach Festivals, and under many conductors including Leonard Slatkin, Constantine Kitsopoulos, and Bruno Weil. A Fulbright grant recipient to the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Leipzig, Germany, Ms. Marshall holds advanced degrees from Indiana University, where she studied with Carol Vaness, and currently serves on the voice faculty at the University of Southern Maine School of Music. Jonathan David was born in 1965 in New Haven, CT, and raised in New York City. He currently lives in Chapel Hill, NC. Most recently, David’s All My Heart This Night Rejoices is the winning work in the 2nd Annual New England Carol Contest, sponsored by the Choral Arts Society (Portland, ME). In February, 2015, his treble work, Tears, Apples and Stones, was featured in an installation by Zsuzsanna Ardo at Westminster Palace in London. He is currently working on Sederunt for the Depauw University Chamber Singers, which will premiere the work in Indiana in January, 2016, before touring it in France. David has been commissioned by the New York Treble Singers, Duke University, Marble Collegiate Church, the Manhattan Wind Ensemble, soprano Amy Bartram, and baritone Daniel Neer, among others. David has served as Composer-in-Residence for The Greenwich Village Singers, Music Director for the chamber chorus, Howl!, and was a founding member of the pioneering new music chorus, C4, the Choral Composer/Conductor Collective. He serves on the judging panel for the Annual ASCAP/Deems Taylor Awards. From 2005-2011 he was the Classical Editor for the internet music service, Napster. Jonathan’s music is published by Oxford University Press and See-A-Dot Music, and is also available through his website, www.jonathandavidmusic. com 30 Williston-Immanuel United Church St. John the Baptist, and the Four Evangelists. Sanborn’s other work includes the windows above the great altar of Washington’s National Cathedral, and the windows of the Bapst Art Library and John J. Burns Library at Boston College. With one exception, the sanctuary’s clerestory windows and the windows on the main level are the work of the Charles J. Connick Associates of Boston. Connick Associates windows are composed of very small pieces of glass stained or colored in the making, the design being brought out in the glass itself, and the painter’s brush employed only for the delineation of faces, clothing or other parts not easily made in sections. In addition to depictions of Saints Peter and Paul, the Women of the Bible, Christ with the Children, and a window dedicated to the Prophets of the Old Testament, the clerestory windows are ecumenical in both design and spirit. The Great Christian Musicians Window, for example, features Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frederic Handel, Felix Mendelssohn, Isaac Watts, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, and Charles Wesley. Dedicated during Easter Week 1928 as the new church home of Immanuel Baptist Church, the Portland Press Herald described the building as photo credit: Doug Cruger “...a perfect example of the later English Gothic architecture…built of Weymouth seam-face granite, with stone trimmings and heavy buttresses at the front of the building and leading into a most attractive narthex.” The architect, Edward Leander Higgins, was already well-established in Maine as a designer of churches in the modified English Gothic style. The windows are of special interest to students of stained glass design and construction. The work of noted young stained glass artist Harry Wright Goodhue is seen in the restored Rose Window (1928), which depicts the Twelve Apostles surrounded by the Dove of Peace. The Great North Window, also installed in 1928, is the work of Edward Earl Sanborn. Its central panel depicts the Risen Christ surrounded by Moses, Save the Date! April 27, 2016 Prelude to Spring Song A Bird's-Eye View of The Choral Art Society More information to come, visit our website at www.choralart.org 31 proud sponsor of Choral Art Society’s New England Carol Contest Dana F. Graichen, M.D. (207) 324-3380 wwww.associatedeyecare.net Associated Eye Care 272 Cottage Street, Sanford 65 Portland Road, Kennebunk 32