【HKU MUSE House Programme】The Gift of Christmas: NOĒMA Sings John Rutter by Cultural Management Office, HKU

THE GIFT F CHRIS MAS NO Ē MA SINGS JOHN

RUTTER

Welcome to the Grand Hall

Thank you for coming to this HKU MUSE event. To ensure that everyone enjoys the music, please switch off your mobile phones and any other sound and light emitting devices before the performance. Unauthorised photography and audio/video recordings in the Hall are prohibited. Enjoy the concert and come again.

14 DEC 2025 | SUN | 3PM

Grand Hall, The University of Hong Kong

NOĒMA

Sanders Lau, conductor

with HKU Chamber Singers

Caleb Woo, chorusmaster

ANTOGNINI Come to me

WHITACRE

TICHELI

RUTTER

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Earth Song

The Lord is my light and my salvation

The Gift of Life

The tree of life

Hymn to the Creator of Light

O Lord, how manifold are thy works

The gift of each day

Believe in life

The Lord bless you and keep you

HOLST In the bleak midwinter *

TRAD. (arr. RUTTER) Silent Night *

TRAD. (arr. ERNEST HUI) Dona nobis pacem *

* Audience sing-along

NOĒMA

NOĒMA is a leading chamber choir dedicated to advancing Hong Kong's choral scene. Comprising some of the finest local choral musicians, the group has quickly become one of the city's premier ensembles under the dynamic leadership of Artistic Director Sanders Lau, who founded the choir in 2022. NOĒMA has performed to critical acclaim, with invitations from eminent presenters, including MUSE Series of The University of Hong Kong, Tai Kwun, and the Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF). Their performance of the sold-out cross-disciplinary choral concert Garden of Repose at the HKAF was nominated and shortlisted for the 2024 Classical:NEXT Innovation Award.

In its 2024/25 season, NOĒMA presented five programmes ranging from Bach and Bruckner to Caroline Shaw and a new commission by Hong Kong composer Adrian Wong. Season highlights included collaborations with internationally renowned vocal ensembles Tenebrae and Vox Luminis with Lionel Meunier, bringing world-class choral artistry to Hong Kong audiences. NOĒMA also debuted at the East Kowloon Cultural Centre in So FAR, So… (Work-in-progress Presentation), collaborating with multidisciplinary theatre-maker Ivanhoe Lam.

NOĒMA's ethos is centred on applying ideals of rhetoric—the art of persuasion—to its performances, always exploring and harnessing the expressive landscape in its repertoire. It is known for innovative and thoughtprovoking programming, creating profound dialogues among music, poetry, and spirituality, and reaffirming the relevance of choral art in contemporary society.

The choir has collaborated with various artists, including Cong Quartet, composer Chris Cheung, and set designer Ruby Law. Upcoming collaborators include media artist Keith Lam and composer Daniel Lo. To further its commitment to nurturing Hong Kong's choral community, NOĒMA has worked closely with the HKU Chamber Singers and is a supporting organisation of the Hong Kong Inter-School Choral Festival.

Sanders Lau, conductor

Sanders Lau is a leading choral conductor in Hong Kong. He is the Artistic Director and founder of the chamber choir NOĒMA, which brings together some of the finest local choral musicians and has quickly established itself as one of the most dynamic and innovative forces in Hong Kong's choral landscape.

Known for his thoughtful programme curation, Sanders creates engaging concert narratives that blend standard repertoire with contemporary writings, many of which have received their Hong Kong or world premieres under his direction. He also serves as Resident Conductor of Die Konzertisten, where he has collaborated with internationally acclaimed conductors, including Stephen Layton, Jonathan Cohen, and John Butt, and has cultivated a specialised interest in the historically informed performances of early music.

A highly sought-after choral artist, Sanders regularly guest-conducts, adjudicates, and leads masterclasses, workshops, and seminars for eminent organisations such as the Hong Kong Arts Festival, Voices of Singapore Festival, Hong Kong Inter-School Choral Festival, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Ardent about nurturing the next generation of choral leaders, he has worked with choirs and students from major universities in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau, as well as numerous youth and school choirs. His annual conducting courses attract hundreds of school music teachers and young professionals, further expanding his impact on the choral community.

In 2023, Sanders won the First Prize and two Special Awards at the Romano Gandolfi International Competition for Choral Conductors in Italy. He holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music and The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

HKU Chamber Singers

The HKU Chamber Singers, under the direction of Caleb Woo, presents a diverse repertoire ranging from Renaissance works to contemporary compositions, and from sacred choral music to jazz. The ensemble's programme covers a broad spectrum of topics, including choral technique, ensemble collaboration, performance practice, and score analysis.

In recent years, the Chamber Singers have collaborated with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and NOĒMA. To foster creative exchange between composers and performers, the ensemble annually premieres new works by recipients of the Doming Lam Composition Prize, enriching the artistic and creative atmosphere on campus.

Caleb Woo, chorusmaster

Caleb Woo is a baritone and voice teacher at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Education University of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong Baptist University. He is also an assistant professor in practice at Lingnan University, the chorusmaster of the University of Hong Kong's Chamber Singers, and a regular performing member of the NOĒMA chamber choir.

Caleb recently made his solo debut at Bachfest Leipzig and took part in a production of Philip Glass' Book of Longing . He has also been active in chamber opera productions, including The Heart of Coral , Datong , The Angel's Bone , Women Like Us , and most recently, Por Por . He has performed with Opera Hong Kong, Hong Kong Metropolitan Opera, Musica Viva, Pop Up Production, and Silent Production. Caleb holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music, Chung Chi Divinity School of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong Baptist University.

NOĒMA

Conductor Sanders Lau

Singers

Soprano

Rachel Kwok

Kenix Tsang

Winky Wong

Angela Yiu

Alto

Joyce Chan

Elaine Kong

Ruth Lau

Grace Leung

Tenor

Kenny Lam

Jermyn Li

Justin Li

Carmel Tse

Bass

Yik-Long Lau

Felix Shuen

Caleb Woo

Wai-Ki Wun

HKU CHAMBER SINGERS

Chorusmaster Caleb Woo

Soprano I

Cheang Si Wan

Elaine Choy

Luo Yitian

Tam Sheung Tsz

Wa Man Hei Jovi

Zhang Xindi

Zhao Jiaran

Soprano II

Loris Gosamkee

Kam Hiu Sze

Pang Lok Ching Anthea

So Yan Lok Charlotte

Tan Jing Yee

Kenix Tsang

Wang Sin Ying Cassie

Alto I

Guo Pei Pei Melody

Ma Yiwen Michelle

Zhang Yabing Claire

Alto II

Caitlin Gillett

Mak Shan Shi

Wong Tin Yan Tina

Instrumentalists

Clarinet

Young Sze Chun

Harp

Peggy Houng

Piano

Prudence Poon

Organ

Felix Yeung

Percussion

Marvin Chai

Angela Lee

Haley Shek

Tenor I

Or Ching Hang Ronny

Tenor II

Ma Wing Heng Kenneth

Bass

Chia Min Shen

Chung Tsz Yuen Alex

Wu Kong Fung Andrew

Come to me

IVO ANTOGNINI (b. 1963)

Come to me in the silence of the night; Come in the speaking silence of a dream; Come with soft rounded cheeks and eyes as bright As sunlight on a stream; Come back in tears, O memory, hope, love of finished years.

Oh dream how sweet, too sweet, too bitter sweet, Whose wakening should have been in Paradise, Where souls brimful of love abide and meet; Where thirsting longing eyes

Watch the slow door

That opening, letting in, lets out no more.

Yet come to me in dreams, that I may live

My very life again tho' cold in death: Come back to me in dreams, that I may give Pulse for pulse, breath for breath: Speak low, lean low, As long ago, my love, how long ago.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening ERIC WHITACRE (b. 1970)

Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake. The only other sound's the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake.

Text: 'Echo' by Christina Rossetti (1830–1894)

The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.

Earth Song FRANK TICHELI (b. 1958)

Sing, Be, Live, See...

This dark stormy hour, The wind, it stirs. The scorched earth cries out in vain:

O war and power, You blind and blur. The torn heart cries out in pain.

But music and singing Have been my refuge, And music and singing Shall be my light.

A light of song Shining strong: Alleluia!

Through darkness and pain and strife, I'll Sing, Be, Live, See... Peace.

Text: Robert Frost (1874–1963)

Text: Frank Ticheli

The Lord is my light and my salvation

JOHN RUTTER (b. 1945)

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then I shall fear?

The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid?

Though an host of men were laid against me, yet shall not my heart be afraid: and though there rose up war against me, yet will I put my trust in him.

One thing have I desired of the Lord, which I will require: even that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the fair beauty of the Lord, and to visit his temple.

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his tabernacle: yea, in the secret place of his dwelling shall he hide me, and set me up upon a rock of stone.

Therefore will I offer in his dwelling an oblation with great gladness: I will sing, and speak praises unto the Lord.

Hearken unto my voice, O Lord, when I cry unto thee: have mercy upon me, and hear me.

My heart hath talked of thee, Seek ye my face: Thy face, Lord, Will I seek.

O hide not thou thy face from me, nor cast thy servant away in displeasure. Thou has been my succour: leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

When my father and my mother forsake me, the Lord taketh me up.

Be strong, and he shall comfort thine heart; and put thou thy trust in the Lord.

The Gift of Life JOHN RUTTER

2. The tree of life

The tree of life my soul hath seen, Laden with fruit, and always green; The trees of nature fruitless be Compared with Christ the apple tree.

This beauty doth all things excel; By faith I know, but ne'er can tell The glory which I now can see In Jesus Christ the apple tree.

The tree of life...

For happiness I long have sought, And pleasure dearly I have bought; I missed for all, but now I see 'Tis found in Christ the apple tree.

I'm wearied with my former toil, Here I shall sit and rest awhile; Under the shadow I will be Of Jesus Christ the apple tree.

The tree of life...

This fruit doth make my soul to thrive, It keeps my dying faith alive; Which makes my soul in haste to be With Jesus Christ the apple tree.

The tree of life...

Text: Psalm 27

Text: From the collection of Joshua Smith (1760–1795), New Hampshire, 1784

3. Hymn to the Creator of Light

Glory be to thee, O Lord, glory be to thee, Creator of the visible light, the sun's ray, the light of life. Creator also of the light invisible and intellectual, That which is known of God, the light invisible. Glory be to thee, O Lord, glory be to thee, Creator of the light, for writings of the law, glory be to thee, for oracles of prophets, glory be to thee, for melody of psalms, glory be to thee, for wisdom of proverbs, glory be to thee, experience of histories, glory be to thee, a light which never sets.

God is the Lord, who hath showed us light.

Text: Lancelot Andrewes (1555–1626), tr. Alexander Whyte (1836–1921)

Light, who dost my soul enlighten; Sun, who all my life dost brighten; Joy, the sweetest man e'er knoweth; Fount, whence all my being floweth. From thy banquet let me measure, Lord, how vast and deep its treasure; Through the gifts thou here dost give us, As thy guest in heaven receive us.

Text: J. Franck (1618–1677), tr. Catherine Winkworth (1827–1878)

4. O Lord, how manifold are thy works

O Lord, how manifold are thy works: in wisdom hast thou made them all; the earth is full of thy riches. Thou cover'dst it with the deep like as with a garment: the waters stand in the hills.

He sendeth the springs into the rivers: which run among the hills. All beasts of the field drink thereof: and the wild asses quench their thirst. Beside them shall the fowls of the air have their habitation: and sing among the branches.

He bringeth forth grass for the cattle: and green herb for the service of men.

The trees of the Lord also are full of sap: even the cedars of Libanus which he hath planted; Wherein the birds make their nests: and the fir-trees are a dwelling for the stork.

The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats: and so are the stony rocks for the conies.

The lions roaring after their prey: do seek their meat from God. The sun ariseth, and they get them away together: and lay them down in their dens.

Man goeth forth to his work, and to his labour until the evening.

O Lord, how manifold are thy works: in wisdom hast thou made them all; the earth is full of thy riches.

The glorious Majesty of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works.

Text: From Psalm 104

For all the gifts of God's creation fashioned by his mighty hand: Earth and heaven, and all things living springing up at his command; To God on high be endless glory, praise and honour to his Name, Who was, and is, and ever shall be, through eternity the same.

How rich and fair his works of nature, bird and beast and tree and flower; All that lives, and has its being under God's almighty power!

To him who reigns in endless glory, praise and honour to his Name, Who was, and is, and ever shall be, through eternity the same. Amen.

Text: John Rutter

5. The gift of each day

The gift of each day rising out of darkness: the promise of light and the birth of new life, the dawn of new hope and a new beginning, if we turn to the light;

The gift of each day stirring all around us: the sights of the earth, and sea, and sky, Forever fresh as the day we first saw them, forever new as creation's first day.

Domine, gratias agimus tibi;

Lord God, we give you thanks, blessing, and praise. Behold creation, so filled with miracles, Benedictus es, benedictus es, Domine.

The gift of each day has been freely granted: the gift of creation in glory revealed.

We thank you, Lord, for all its blessings, we thank you, Lord, for the gift of each day, your good gift of each day, we thank you, Lord, for the gift of each day.

Text: John Rutter

6. Believe in life

Believe in life as a stream ever flowing; Believe in life as a tree ever growing: The tree of life, with its branches high in the sky and its roots so deep in the earth.

Believe in hope as a flame ever burning; Believe in hope, like the springtime returning; Believe in hope, lift your eyes up unto the hills, whence comes our help from the Lord, the Lord who made the heaven and earth.

Every step that you take could start a journey, All the strangers you meet could turn to friends. If you open your eyes new worlds will arise if you just believe in your life, believe in your hopes, believe in your dreams.

The stream rolls onward; all things must pass. Our earthly days are short, all flesh as grass, But through all ages long since time began, There stands the tree of life, God's sign to man.

The tree of life my soul hath seen, Laden with fruit, and always green; The trees of nature fruitless be Compared with Christ the apple tree. Amen.

John Rutter

Text: From the collection of Joshua Smith (1760–1795), New Hampshire, 1784

Text:

The Lord bless you and keep you JOHN RUTTER

The Lord bless you and keep you, The Lord make his face to shine upon you And be gracious unto you, The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you, And give you peace. Amen.

In the bleak midwinter * GUSTAV HOLST (1874–1934)

[Choir only]

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, In the bleak midwinter, long ago.

[Audience + Choir]

Text: Numbers 6: 24–26

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain; Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign. In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him, whom cherubim, worship night and day, Breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay; Enough for Him, whom angels fall before, The ox and ass and camel which adore.

Angels and archangels may have gathered there, Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air; But His mother only, in her maiden bliss, Worshipped the beloved with a kiss.

What can I give Him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

Text: 'A Christmas Carol' by Christina Rossetti