2025KANT Silent Nights Program

SUNDAY @ 2:00PM Parsons Theatre

1 E Memorial Pkwy, Northglenn

12.19.2025 FRIDAY @ 7:30PM

Saint John’s Episcopal Cathedral 1350 N Washington St, Denver

12.20.2025

SATURDAY @ 7:30PM

Augustana Lutheran Church 5000 E Alameda Ave, Denver

12.21.2025 SUNDAY @ 3:00PM

Wellshire Presbyterian Church 2999 S Colorado Blvd, Denver

SILENT NIGHTS

12.07.2025

KANTOREI AT THE HOLIDAYS

First Plymouth UCC

3501 S Colorado Blvd, Cherry Hills Village

With guest, Aaron Larget-Caplan, classical guitar

12.06.2025

SATURDAY @ 7:30PM

Aaron Larget-Caplan FEATURED GUITARIST

SILENT NIGHTS KANTOREI AT THE HOLIDAYS

With guest, Aaron Larget-Caplan, classical guitar WHAT SWEETER MUSIC

MICHAEL FINK (B. 1954)

THE ANGEL GABRIEL

DAVID CARNEY (B. 1940) Matthew Eschliman, tenor; Caleb Heaton, baritone; Martina Richardson, Soprano; Allison Pasternak, mezzo-soprano

SWEET WAS THE SONG

ALF HOUKOM (B.1935)

O BE JOYFUL

JEFFREY VAN (B. 1941)

Kaleigh Sutula, mezzo-soprano

THE RUNE OF HOSPITALITY

ALF HOUKOM

THE FRIENDLY BEASTS

John Bartley, baritone; Chelsea Kendall, mezzo-soprano

ARR. JEFFREY VAN

CIDER MEDITATION*

AARON LARGET-CAPLAN (B. 1978) Written in March of 2025 for Kantorei, director Joel M. Rinsema; Commissioned by the Hatala Family Chrissie Graham, soprano; Seth O’Kegley, tenor

SIR CHRISTEMASSE*

Caleb Heaton, baritone; Seth O’Kegley, tenor; Mo Bailey, soprano

M. RYAN TAYLOR (B. 1972)

-- INTERMISSION --

SELECTIONS FOR GUITAR

STOPPING BY WOODS ON A SNOWY EVENING

ERIC WHITACRE (B. 1970)

WINTER BRANCHES*

ZANAIDA STEWART ROBLES (B. 1979) Commissioned by Scott Horowitz and Leah Weinberg for Kantorei (Denver, CO), Joel M. Rinsema, Conductor

CHRISTMAS LULLABY

JEFFREY VAN

CHILD OF PEACE

JEFFREY VAN

MANGER DANCE

JEFFREY VAN

Betsy Thurley, soprano

AWAY IN A MANGER

Matthew Eschliman, tenor

AWAY IN A MANGER

Shannon Lemmon-Elrod, soprano

SILENT NIGHT * World Premiere

WILLIAM J. KIRKPATRICK (1838–1921) arr. Jeffrey Van ATTR. JAMES RAMSEY MURRAY (1841–1905) arr. Jeffrey Van FRANZ GRUBER (1787–1863) arr. Jeffrey Van

KANTOREI’S VISION:

To elevate the human experience through choral excellence

Our Mission:

Kantorei is an inclusive community of volunteer singers that invites audiences to experience the richness and diversity of the choral art form, joyously executed at the highest standard of musical excellence. We are innovators: we responsibly leverage our resources to commission work by living composers, perform music by underrepresented and emerging artists, encourage future talent through educational engagement, and nurture the choral community.

Our Values:

MUSICAL EXCELLENCE – We maintain the highest possible standards. We hold ourselves and each other accountable for putting in the necessary effort. We take on artistic challenges that many choirs cannot. We provide our audiences with unique musical experiences performed with professionalism, accuracy, passion, and finesse. We are a volunteer choir with world-class aspirations and achievements.

INCLUSION – We strive to create a singer community where individuals from all backgrounds and experiences can be their best. We celebrate and perform composers that have been underrepresented in the choral tradition alongside those who have historically enjoyed the spotlight. We amplify voices that should be heard, and seek to bring our voices to new places. We connect diverse audiences through the power of music.

JOY – We make music because it brings us joy and we are passionate about sharing that joy with others. Audiences feel our connection to each other and the music; through our work they experience intellectual and emotional expansion. Sharing this joy with each other and our audiences is a privilege.

COMMUNITY – We provide an opportunity for singers, artists, students, and audiences from many different backgrounds and identities to share in musical experiences that allow us to transcend the world we live in. Our singers show up for each other, both musically and personally. We are in community with the composers who partner with us. We create nurturing relationships with other choirs so we can collectively thrive. We show young and emerging artists what their musical future can look like.

INNOVATION – As an organization, we are never stagnant. We feel a responsibility to use our funding to educate, delight, and amaze, which is evident through every aspect of our work: programming, recordings, concerts, and community impact. We move the art form forward by celebrating the full diversity of modern choral composition, and juxtaposing it with treasured work of the traditional canon. Our audiences can feel the musical past resonating with wisdom in the present, and the present reaching back to seek guidance from the past.

Land acknowledgement Kantorei honors and acknowledges the Tséstho’e (Cheyenne), hinono’eino’ biito’owu’ (Arapaho), Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ ̱ (Ute), and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Sioux) Tribes, and all of the original Indigenous peoples of the land upon which we rehearse and perform.

PROGRAM NOTES

Program Notes compiled by Sara Michael

Opening Reflections Michael Fink's What Sweeter Music setting opens the program with a question that resonates throughout the season: what music could be sweeter than that which celebrates hope and renewal? This contemporary composition invites us into a space of contemplation and joy.

With The Angel Gabriel, David Carney brings fresh perspective to the ancient narrative of the Annunciation. His musical treatment balances reverence with accessibility, creating an approachable entry point into sacred storytelling. NorwegianAmerican composer Alf Houkom has contributed significantly to the choral repertoire. Sweet Was the Song exemplifies his ability to craft melodies that feel both timeless and intimate.

Jeffrey Van's exuberant setting of O Be Joyful captures the celebratory spirit that defines this season. Van, a prolific contemporary composer, has created extensive works for choral and instrumental ensembles.

Hospitality and Simplicity We return to Alf Houkom with this setting of The Rune of Hospitality that draws on Celtic traditions of welcoming. The piece reminds us that the season's spirit extends beyond celebration to embrace generosity and openness to others.

The traditional carol The Friendly Beasts views the Nativity through the eyes of stable animals, and has charmed audiences for generations. Van's arrangement honors the folk tradition while adding harmonic sophistication. Cider Meditation was written by our guest guitarist, Aaron Larget-Caplan in March of 2025 for Kantorei and director Joel M. Rinsema and was commissioned by the Hatala Family. The composer explains, “Cider Meditation explores the holiday themes of warmth, spiritual inspiration, nostalgia, and charity through accepting and protecting the traveler in our community with whom we share a steaming cup of cider.”

Winter's Beauty Composer M. Ryan Taylor says, "I first encountered the text of Sir Christemasse in my late teens while singing another setting with a choir I belonged to. The poem struck me as unusual— even a little odd—but it also made an impression. More than a decade later, I rediscovered the text on a wonderful website

dedicated to the ‘Hymns and Carols of Christmas,’ and it immediately drew me in again. At that point in my life I was writing constantly—operas, art songs, song cycles, and choral works—and I was always on the lookout for poetry that invited musical treatment.

"I was captivated by the playful way this medieval text personifies Christmas as a kind of knight, long before our modern Santa existed: bursting in with a jubilant ‘Nowel, Nowel!’ to announce a holy birth, encourage good cheer, and even urge listeners to ‘drink up’ in French. At the same time, I was experimenting with writing for guitar and directing a chamber choir, and those creative threads naturally wove themselves together into this piece. Although I struggled then to find a guitarist who could perform the work as written, I'm delighted that—nearly twenty years later—it is finally receiving a proper premiere with a wonderful choir and accomplished guitarist."

Eric Whitacre, one of today's most performed living composers, sets Robert Frost's beloved poem Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening with his characteristic harmonic lushness. This piece began its life under the title "Sleep" before being published with Frost's original poem title. The music captures the hushed beauty of winter landscape and the pull between journey and rest—that mesmerizing moment of stillness when snow falls silently through dark woods, and the traveler must choose between lingering and moving on.

Winter Branches was commissioned for Kantorei by our own Scott Horowitz and his wife, Leah Weinberg. In their words, “There is a relatively limited repertoire of music that presents choirs with opportunities to celebrate cultural diversity during the winter season. Winter Branches was commissioned from composer Zanaida Robles to help enrich that repertoire. The lyrics, by Margaret Widdemer, invite the audience to consider the beauty of bare trees in winter, and to draw comfort from their strength, wisdom, and resilience throughout the cold season.”

The Jeffrey Van Collection The program culminates with an extended set from composer Jeffrey Van, whose career has been deeply intertwined with the acclaimed Dale Warland Singers. Van served as a singer and Associate Conductor with this legendary Minnesotabased professional chamber choir, working closely with founder Dale Warland to champion American choral music.

This association profoundly shaped Van's compositional voice, as he experienced firsthand the ensemble's commitment to excellence, textual clarity, and the creation of new works.

Many of Van's compositions reflect the Dale Warland Singers' aesthetic: sophisticated yet accessible writing that honors both text and singer. His varied approaches to seasonal music demonstrate remarkable versatility.

Christmas Lullaby is a tender setting that emphasizes the intimate, human dimension of the nativity story. Child of Peace reflects on themes of hope and reconciliation. Manger Dance offers an unexpected joyful perspective that imagines celebration around the humble setting. Van's arrangement of the William J. Kirkpatrick Away in a Manger tune commonly known as "Cradle Song" preserves its gentle character while adding textural interest. The alternate tune attributed to James Ramsey Mueller receives Van's thoughtful treatment, offering audiences the opportunity to hear both beloved melodies associated with these words. Franz Gruber's immortal melody Silent Night closes the program. Van's arrangement honors the simplicity and profound peace of this most beloved of carols, bringing our journey full circle from questioning "what sweeter music" to experiencing the answer in the season's most enduring song.

summers of 2021, 2022, and 2025. He conducted Kantorei along with the Canadian Brass in December of 2022, and commissioned and prepared Kantorei for the world premiere of the string orchestra version of Eric Whitacre’s The Sacred Veil, conducted by the composer, and guest conducted The Sacred Veil with the Washington (D.C.) Choral Arts Society in May of 2023.

A passionate advocate for the choral art form, Joel frequently consults with choral arts organizations around the country.

Because of his leadership in his field, he received the Louis Botto Award for “Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal” from Chorus America, the industry’s advocacy, research, and leadership development organization for choruses, choral leaders, and singers.

Photo courtesy of Daniel Herman

JOEL M. RINSEMA Artistic Director

Joel M. Rinsema joined Kantorei in 2014, becoming the second conductor in its history. During his tenure, Kantorei has experienced tremendous audience growth, nearly tripled its budget, and launched an ambitious recording strategy. A frequent collaborator and champion of new works for chorus, Joel has commissioned and premiered works by many of today’s leading composers, including Kim André Arnesen, Mason Bates, René Clausen, Jean Belmont Ford, Ola Gjeilo, Jocelyn Hagen, Mark Hayes, Cecilia McDowall, Sarah Quartel, Jake Runestad, Christopher Tin, and Eric Whitacre.

In the summer of 2022, Joel conducted the Central American premiere of Jake Runestad’s El Último Hilo (The Last Thread) in Guatemala City and Antigua, Guatemala with Kantorei and the Guatemalan choir Vocalis. He returned in May of 2023 to conduct Eric Whitacre’s The Sacred Veil and serves as Artistic Advisor and Principal Guest Conductor of Vocalis.

Under Joel’s direction, Kantorei has released two recordings on the Naxos label. Sing, Wearing the Sky: Choral Music of Jake Runestad (2020) was the #3 best-selling classical album on iTunes, reached #4 on the Traditional Classical Billboard Charts, and was in the top ten in both the best-selling classical album and new classical release categories on Amazon. Infinity: Choral Works of Kim André Arnesen (2018) climbed to the #2 best-selling classical album on iTunes, #6 on the Traditional Classical Billboard Charts, and #19 on the overall Classical Billboard charts. The third recording, Song Offerings: Choral Music of Christopher Tin, was released on November 7, 2025, this time on the Decca Gold label. Santa Barbara Music Publishing, Inc. publishes the Joel Rinsema / Kantorei Choral series.

Joel led Kantorei in performances at the 2019 National Convention of the American Choral Directors Association and has prepared Kantorei as the primary chorus for the Aspen Music Festival, with Maestro Robert Spano conducting, in the

Joel is an accomplished conductor of major works for choir and orchestra and was one of eighteen conductors chosen nationally through audition to participate in master classes and workshops presented by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association and Chorus America. As a tenor soloist, Joel performed across the United States as well as in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.

Joel also serves as Director of Music and Technology in Worship at First Plymouth Congregational Church in Cherry Hills Village, Colorado. He was also the North American Choral Promotion Manager for Oxford University Press based in Oxford, England from 2017 to 2020, a tenure during which he worked closely with and represented roster composers John Rutter, Mack Wilberg, Bob Chilcott, Sarah Quartel, Cecilia McDowall, Gabriel Jackson, and Will Todd among others.

He holds music degrees from Arizona State University and Whitworth University and is a member of the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Grammys), and the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA).

Joel came to Kantorei from the Grammy Award-winning Phoenix Chorale. Throughout his 23-year tenure with the Phoenix Chorale, he served in nearly every capacity with the organization, including his last 15 years as President & CEO and Assistant Conductor. He negotiated an ongoing recording contract with the prestigious U.K.-based Chandos Records, and Phoenix Chorale recordings received a total of eight Grammy nominations and two Grammy awards during his tenure. Joel appears on all Phoenix Chorale recordings and was a soloist on the Grammy Award-winning “Spotless Rose: Hymn to the Virgin Mary.” In addition to his work with the Phoenix Chorale, Joel served as the Director of Music at Church of the Beatitudes United Church of Christ in Phoenix for 15 years, and he was the founding chorus master of the Arizona Musicfest Chorus.

He and his wife Sarah Branton (Choir Director at Cherry Creek High School) and stepson Simon Harrison live in Highlands Ranch, Colorado along with their miniature Dachshund Lucia.

They enjoy all that Colorado has to offer outdoors, including camping, fishing, golfing, and snow skiing.

Photo courtesy of Daniel Herman

Kantorei is a Denver-based, choral ensemble comprised of volunteer singers under the direction of Artistic Director Joel M. Rinsema.

Formed in 1997 under the leadership of six friends and the artistic direction of Richard Larson (Conductor Emeritus), Kantorei has established itself as one of the nation’s premier choral ensembles. Our choral artists have studied at schools with strong music programs across the United States such as Indiana University, St. Olaf College, Wartburg College, Luther College, Concordia College, and Westminster Choir College.

Kantorei’s singers reside throughout the greater Denver area. Some serve as choral music educators, church choir conductors, and vocal instructors. Others are doctors, social workers, optometrists, counselors, clinical psychologists, accountants, realtors – all brought together in weekly rehearsals for shared artistic excellence and community.

Kantorei has performed for major choral conventions across the U.S. and The Aspen Music Festival, toured the world, and has commissioned and premiered new choral works from such renowned composers as Kim André Arnesen, Eric William Barnum, Abbie Betinis, René Clausen, Ola Gjeilo, Jocelyn Hagen, M. Roger Holland, II, Sarah Quartel, Jake Runestad, Christopher Tin, and Eric Whitacre. In the summer of 2022, Kantorei performed the Central American premiere

of Jake Runestad’s “El Último Hilo” in Guatemala City and Antigua, Guatemala, along with Guatemalan choir Vocalis.

Kantorei has released two recordings on the Naxos label. “Sing, Wearing the Sky” (2020) choral music of Jake Runestad reached the #3 best-selling classical album on iTunes, #4 on the Traditional Classical Billboard Charts, and the top ten in both the best-selling classical album and new classical release categories on Amazon. “Infinity: Choral Works of Kim André Arnesen” (2018) climbed to the #2 best-selling classical album on iTunes, #6 on the Traditional Classical Billboard Charts and #19 on the overall Classical Billboard charts. Santa Barbara Music Publishing Inc. publishes the Kantorei Choral series. In early winter 2025, Kantorei once again joined forces with Grammy-winning producers Soundmirror to record choral works of Grammywinning composer Christopher Tin, which was released on November 7, 2025, this time on the Decca Gold label.

Kantorei’s vision is “to elevate the human experience through choral excellence.”

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“Thank you for the joy you have brought into my life.”

“I've been smiling all day long. I'm so glad I got to experience the beauty of Kantorei's performance. It was truly heartwarming.”

ARTISTS Acclaimed international recording and touring guitarist and composer Aaron Larget-Caplan is an exciting and innovative leader in classical music. Noted as a "master guitarist" by Fanfare, and for his “astounding technical proficiency and artistic delicacy” by the Boston Musical Intelligencer, Larget-Caplan has performed throughout the USA, Europe, Russia, and Taiwan, including El Palacio de Linares in Madrid, Spain, Sheremetev Palace in Russia, and Palazzo del Te & Ducale in Mantova, Italy.

At 16 he made his debut at the Tabor Opera House and has since premiered over 120 solo and chamber compositions, soloed with orchestras, directed concert series, created commissioning endeavors, curated and published three anthologies of scores, arranged over 85 solo and chamber works, and brought classical music into schools and communities. A gifted performer and speaker, he is sought for his deft programming of new and standard repertoire, while connecting with audiences with a Bernstein-esque ease.

A winner of multiple awards, including from the Société Académique Arts-Sciences-Lettres of Paris, France for his trailblazing work in music, he was Musician in Residence at the Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity, and the first guitarist to be invited for Artist Residency at the John Cage Trust at Bard College. Mr. Larget-Caplan is currently collaborating with composer Vineet Shende of Bowdoin College for his multi-movement choir & guitar

work Pravasa (migration in Sanskrit) and his 12 Carnatic Preludes, After J.S. Bach, a reimagining of Bach preludes from the WellTempered Clavier as if Bach were from South India (Carnatic music). Each prelude is paired with Aaron's arrangement for guitar of Bach's keyboard prelude.

Faculty appointments include the Boston Conservatory at Berklee School of Music and the University of Massachusetts Boston. In 2024, Aaron joined Expanded Education at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.

He gives artist residencies, masterclasses, workshops and lectures across the country, including in Canada, Italy and Russia, for the Guitar Foundation of America, 21st Century Guitar Conference, the International Music Fraternity Mu Phi Epsilon, and the Banff Centre for the Creative Arts.

He is a graduate of the New England Conservatory where he studied with David Leisner and Eliot Fisk, and his principal teacher was Dmitry Goryachev. Notable non-guitar coaches include pianists Seymour Bernstein and Stephen Drury.

Larget-Caplan performs on guitars by the French master luthier Olivier Fanton D’Andon and a historic 1957 Manuel Velazquez. He uses Hannabach strings exclusively. Larget-Caplan lives in Boston where he enjoys espresso with his wife, healer and muse, Catherine.

Read his full bio at www.alcguitar.com

AARON LARGET-CAPLAN

Featured Guitarist

Photo courtesy of Paula Morin

DENVER’S HOME MARKET IS MOVING! ARE YOU? Garth was a pleasure to work with when we bought our first home in Denver more than five years ago, and was the natural choice when the time came to sell that home and buy again. His knowledge of the Denver metro area, experiences, professionalism, and responsiveness made him a real pleasure to work with during our last three real estate transactions.

-Matt & Crystal L. ~Parker

Garth Criswell 303.669.0252 garth.criswell@coloradohomes.com garthcriswell.com

THE CHOIR SOPRANO

ALTO

TENOR

BASS

Mo Bailey Melissa Clouzet Beryl Fanslow Wilson Riley Jayne Gallivan Chrissie Graham Heather Gunnerson Stacie Hanson * Emma Hartmann Shannon Lemmon-Elrod Sara Michael * Martina Richardson Alicia Rigsby ◊ Becca Schjodt Christianna Sullins Betsy Thurley

Safia Ahmed Lindsey Aquilina Lyn Berry-Helmlinger Sarah Branton * Desiree Deliz-Morales Erin Greenfield Chelsea Kendall Madison Martindale Tegan Masoero-Palmer Melissa Menter Erin Meyerhoff Jennifer Moore Allison Pasternak * Kaleigh Sutula Jane Wright

Kai Berry-Helmlinger * Ben Corwyn Joshua Corwyn Matthew Eschliman Mason France Keith Harrison Bryce Kennedy Severin Lier Samuel Low Alex Menter Chad Nelsen Seth O'Kegley * Ethan Rossi Jonathan Von Stroh John Wright

John Bartley Max Bixby Michael Bizzaro * Michael Boender Adam Cave Garth Criswell Caleb Heaton Scott Horowitz Brad Larson Bryan Lastrella John Ludwig Maxwell McKee John Schaak Kirk Schjodt * Griffin Sutherland Matt Weissenbuehler

* Section leader ◊ Collaborative Pianist

STAFF MEMBERS Courtney Huffman

Joel M. Rinsema

Sarah Branton

Richard Larson

Sara Michael

Alicia Rigsby

Executive Director

Artistic Director

Assistant Conductor

Artistic Director & Conductor Emeritus

Business Manager

Accompanist, Collaborative Pianist

Ximena Wheeler House Manager

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Josh Corwyn

Desiree Deliz-Morales

John Bartley

Melissa Menter

President

Treasurer

Vice President

Secretary

MEMBERS AT LARGE Emily Alexander Mark Aquilina

Judy Bloomberg Schenkein Matthew Eschliman

Scott Horowitz

Daniel Paredes

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SEASON MEMBERS!

Jennifer Allen & Katherine Justus Daniel Belonick Margrit Benton & Mark Nelson Philip Besancon Robert Blauvelt & Michael Corrigan Judy Bloomberg-Schenkein & Ed Schenkein Leslie & Erin Britton Rebecca Caldwell Jim & Joanie Calhoun Nancy Calkins Tom Carlock & Richard Schirrmacher David Carlson & Bonnie Carlson William & Lisa Chumley James & Jean Clark Susan Clasen Edwin Deliz Rivera Dwayne Dickerson Pete & Elizabeth Duke Burna & David Dunn Kaye Edwards Paul & Debbie Edwards Sharon Erlacher Paul & Dedra Eschliman Beverly & Bruce Fest Eleanor Finlay Sara Fischer & John T. Cannon Judy Fredericksen Pamela Grange Carol Greenwald Even Griffiths Patricia Gunckel David & Mary Hammond Lynn Hardcastle Jennifer Heglin Marjorie Hofer Doug Horst Ian Hoyman Carolyn & Lanny Hunter Carol Lanaghen Susan Lewkow Jack & Jean Lindsey Terri Link Ann Ludwig Pamela Mahonchak Chris & Liz Mascitelli Boyd Mauldin, Alysia Gallagher, & Justin Mauldin Barbara McLenon Suzanne McPherson Elaine Menter Lise Nelson & Nancy Walker Peggy O'Connell Michelle Oliveira Valorie Ottenbreit Mark & Linda Pasternak Ruth Peterson Fred Pittroff Sydney Purfield & Jackie Morales J Scott & Jenifer Pusey Ann Rosewall & Steve Slotter Carol Ruckel Sarah Schenkein Sue Seiler Shelly Smith Kathryn Stewart Barbara Stone Chris & Tim Sullivan S Patrice Von Stroh Theresa Wallace Justin Whitley Clara Winter Carol Wood & Kelley Southerland

BEQUESTS Making a gift to Kantorei through your will or estate is a beautiful way to create a lasting legacy and to ensure that our music and our mission will live on well into the future.

A bequest is generally a revocable gift, which means it can be changed or modified at any time. You can choose to designate that a bequest be used for a general or specific purpose so you have the peace of mind knowing that your gift will be used as intended. Bequests are exempt from federal estate taxes. If you have a taxable estate, the estate tax charitable deduction may offset or eliminate estate taxes, resulting in a larger inheritance for your heirs.

For questions, or to request a Bequest Intention Form, please contact Courtney Huffman, Executive Director, courtney@kantorei.org.

LEGACY SOCIETY Lynn Hardcastle

Joel Rinsema

Bryce Kennedy & Joshua Larson Terry Schlenker John Ludwig Alicia Rigsby

Andrea Ware-Medina

TEXT & TRANSLATIONS What Sweeter Music

Sweet Was the Song

What sweeter music can we bring Than a carol for to sing The birth of this our heav’nly King?

Sweet was the song the Virgin sang, When she to Bethlem Juda came And delivered of a son, That blessed Jesus hath to name: Lulla, lullaby, lullaby.

ROBERT HERRICK

Awake the voice! Awake the string!

Heart, ear and eye and ev’rything.

Awake! Awake! The while the active finger Runs division with the singer.

What sweeter music can we bring?

The Angel Gabriel

S. BARING-GOULD (ALTERED) The angel Gabriel from heaven came, His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame; “All hail,” said he, “thou lowly maiden Mary, Most highly favored lady,” Gloria!

“All generations do honor thee, For known a blessed Mother thou shalt be, Jesus thy Son shall be Emmanuel.

Most highly favored lady, Gloria!

Then gentle Mary did bow her head, “To me be as it pleaseth God,” she said.

“My soul shall laud and magnify his Holy Name.”

Most highly favored lady, Gloria!

Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born, Of her, in Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn, And Christian folk throughout the world will ever sing Most highly favored lady, Gloria!

WILLIAM BALLET

“Sweet babe,” sang she, “My son, And eke [also] a saviour born, Who hast vouchsafed from on high To see us that were forlorn.”

Lalula-laby, lullaby.

“Lalulla, lullaby, sweet babe,” said she, And rocked him gently on her knee.

Lullaby.

O Be Joyful JEFFERY VAN

When the king of heaven came to earth so fair, There was none to greet him, just a stable bare. There was none to greet him; O that we were there.

O be joyful all ye lands for the Savior is at hand.

Sing we now Alleluia.

Angels in the heavens, singing of his birth, Shepherds in the darkness, did they see his worth As the prince of heaven laid his glory by for earth?

Born to conquer Satan, sin and death to bind, All God’s love and power now in him we find; Freedom for the captives, vision for the blind.

As the king of heaven comes to earth so fair, May we rise to greet him in the stable bare; As he comes to meet us, O may we be there.

TEXT & TRANSLATIONS The Rune of Hospitality

Cider Meditation

I saw a stranger yestere’en; I put food in the eating place, Drink in the drinking place, Music in the listening place; And in the sacred names of the Triune He blessed me and my house, My cattle and my dear ones.

And the lark said in her song: Often, often, often, Goes the Christ in the stranger’s guise.

Come in You must be cold Warm your hands It’s a mug of cider

FROM THE GAELIC

The Friendly Beasts MEDIEVAL CAROL

Jesus our brother, kind and good, Was humbly born in a stable rude, And the friendly beasts around him stood.

Jesus our brother, kind and good.

“I,” said the donkey, shaggy and brown, “I carried his mother up hill and down, I carried his mother to Bethlehem town.”

“I,” said the donkey, shaggy and brown “I,” said the cow, all white and red, “I gave him my manger for his bed, I gave him my hay to pillow his head.”

“I,” said the cow, all white and red.

“I,” said the sheep with curly horn, “I gave him my wool for his blanket warm, He wore my coat on Christmas morn.”

“I,” said the sheep with curly horn.

“I,” said the dove from the rafters high, “Cooed him to sleep that he should not cry, We cooed him to sleep, my mate and I.” “I,” said the dove from the rafters high.”

Thus every beast by some good spell In the stable dark was glad to tell Of the gift each gave Emmanuel, The gift each gave Emmanuel.

AARON LARGET-CAPLAN

Sit down Tell us the tale Watch the steam It’s a mug of cider Relax Is it just you two?

Take a sip It’s a mug of cider Have peace Here you are safe Taste the way It’s a mug of cider Have peace

Sir Christemasse

ADAPTED FROM RICHARD SMERT Nowell, nowell, nowell Who is there that singeth so?

“I am here, Sir Christemasse.”

Welcome, my lord Sir Christemasse, Welcome to all both more and lasse, Come near, nowell!

Dieu vous garde beau sire [God keep you, good sir] Tidings I you bring: A maid hath born a child full young, Which causeth ye for to sing: Welcome, my lord Sir Christemasse, Welcome to all both more and lasse, Come near, nowell!

Christ is now born of a pure maid; Come near, nowell.

Wherefor sing we all at abrayde: Nowell!

Who is there that singeth so?

I am here!

Beuvex bien par tutte la company, [Drink well, throughout all the company] Make good cheer and be right merry, And sing with us most joyfully: Welcome, my lord Sir Christemasse, Welcome to all both more and lasse, Come near, nowell!

Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening ROBERT FROST

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.

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.

Winter Branches

MARGARET WIDDEMER When wintertime grows weary, I lift my eyes on high And see the black trees standing, stripped clear against the sky; They stand there very silent, with the cold flushed sky behind, The little twigs flare beautiful and restful and kind; Stripped.

Silent.

Restful.

They stand.

They rise.

They know.

They comfort me.

Clear cut and certain they rise, with summer past, For all that trees can ever learn they know now at last; Slim and black and wonderful, with all unrest gone by, The stripped tree boughs comfort me, drawn clear against the sky.

TEXT & TRANSLATIONS Christmas Lullaby JEFFREY VAN

Lullaby, lullaby, Sleep wondrous child to my lullaby.

Heaven’s light radiant within the hay, All gathered here sing the mystery, How can this babe the answer be?

Yet hear the angels so surely say, “Here! Here’s the One.” Lullaby, lullaby, Sleep wondrous child to my lullaby.

Peaceful and still all around thy bed, Outside in darkness a world of dread, Rest thy head near us, O holy child, Stay, stay a while.

Lullaby, lullaby, Sleep wondrous child to my lullaby.

Child of Peace JEFFREY VAN

Sleep, o sleep Thou lovely Child divine; Love distilled in humble form so fine.

May thy slumber keep Thee now from pain; Long and weary journey yet remains.

God of love who gave this little one, God of love who came to overcome, Holy Spirit, God and Christ in one child.

Wise men sought a King and journeyed far Guided by a strange and glorious star, Offering gifts of incense, myrrh and gold, Witnessing the holy birth foretold.

When we seek Thee Jesus may we be Guided to Thy cradle there to see Prophesies fulfilled and hope revealed.

Child of peace who came so long ago, Child of love still with us here we know, May Thy tears of passion freely flow, Melting hearts within us cold as snow.

He is come to be our dearest kin, He is come to take from us our sin, Jesus come and make us safe within you.

Manger Dance JEFFREY VAN

Gathering angels are singing so joyfully; Shepherds are running away from their flocks to see; Why do they celebrate here in this place?

What can there be here to demand such a race?

Only a baby asleep within this place, Why have so many appeared to see His face?

They are from near and from far, They have been led by the star.

Quiet, the baby is sleeping now, Hushed are the sounds of the stable now, Quiet and still are the camels now.

Dancing and singing we’ll come again, When He awakens we’ll come again, He will be glad to see us again.

Singing and dancing with angels around Thy bed, Heavenly hosts are swirling above Thy head, What do they say, can you hear?

Jesus the savior is here.

Away in a Manger

19TH CENTURY AMERICAN Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head.

The stars in the (bright) sky look down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes (the poor baby wakes), But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes, I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky,

And stay by my side (cradle) until (till) morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray: Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, And fit us for heaven, to live with thee there.

Silent Night

JOSEPH MOHR, TR. JOHN F. YOUNG Silent night, holy night, All is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin mother and child, Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love’s pure light; Radiant beams from your holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at your birth.

On sale now at kantorei.org/recordings

FEBRUARY 28TH & MARCH 1ST, 2026

SEASONS IN SONG Experience an enchanting musical journey where winter melts into spring as we present two masterful song cycles. Morten Lauridsen's dynamic MidWinter Songs, featuring Kantorei's collaborative pianist Alicia Rigsby, paint Robert Graves' winter landscapes in luminous harmonies, while Matthew Harris's settings of William Shakespeare radiate with the warmth and promise of early spring.

Join Kantorei for "Seasons in Song," where contemporary composers weave timeless poetry into a tapestry of nature's reawakening. This March concert promises to transport listeners from the contemplative hush of winter nights to the first stirrings of spring's renewal.

SAVE THE DATE

Elevating the human Elevating the human experience—one song at a experience – one song at a time. time.

At Kantorei, our singers are volunteers who give their time,

At Kantorei, our singers are volunteers who give their time, heart, and voices heart, and voices to create something extraordinary — a to create something extraordinary — a community built on joy, inclusion, and community built on joy, inclusion, and connection. Your connection. Your support makes that possible.

support makes that possible.

Make youryour donation today, and together can make the world a more Make donation today, and we together we can make the beautiful and joyful place to be. www.coloradogives.org/kantorei

world a more beautiful and joyful place to be. www.coloradogives.org/kantorei

DONORS

Donors who contributed $100 or more between November 1, 2024 and October 31, 2025 are recognized in this progam * Singers ^ Board & Staff ~ Volunteers

DIAMOND BATON $50,000 - $99,000

Jennifer & Jonathan* Von Stroh Theresa Wallace

Keith* & Sue Ferguson SCFD - Arapahoe County

ARIA $500 - $999

GOLD BATON $15,000 - $24,999 Olson-Vander Heyden Foundation SILVER BATON $10,000 - $14,999 Linda & Randall Chilcote Bryce Kennedy* & Joshua Larson BRONZE BATON $7,500 - $9,999 Lindsey* & Mark^ Aquilina SCFD - Adams County DIRECTOR'S CIRCLE $5,000 - $7,499 Colorado Creative Industries Judy Fredericksen Susan Lewkow~ Pamela Mahonchak Joel Rinsema^ & Sarah Branton*^ Virginia Hill Foundation VIRTUOSO'S CIRCLE $2,500 - $4,999 Michael* & Donna Boender Google Lindsey Family Charitable Fund Alex* & Melissa*^ Menter Ann Rosewall & Steve Slotter Jane* & John* Wright SOLOIST'S CIRCLE $1,000 - $2,499 William Blyth Leslie & Eric Britton James & Jean Clark Garth Criswell* & Mark Kraft Desiree Deliz Morales*^ Dwayne Dickerson Matthew Eschliman*^ & Tessa Powell Heather* & Kevin Gunnerson C. Stephen & Gracie Hooper Brad Jackson & Mark Jennison David Jory John Ludwig* David~ & Jennifer* Moore Osaic Foundation U.S. Bank Foundation S. Patrice Von Stroh

John Bartley*^ Kai* & Lyn* Berry-Helmlinger Judy Bloomberg Schenkein^ & Ed Schenkein Beatriz Bonnet Constance Branton Colorado Gives Foundation Landon Covington & Jason Hindman Marilyn Dana Deb & Don Felio Beverly & Bruce Fest Sara Fischer & John Cannon Nancy Gallivan Elaine & Michael Gardner Gary Philanthropy Patricia Gunckel Annette & Jim Gunnerson Jason & Stacie* Hanson Lynn Hardcastle Alan & Shirley Horowitz Marjorie & Preston Hofer Chelsea Kendall* & Andrew Quinlan Marcia Jory & Ray Kennedy King Soopers Community Rewards Brad Larson* Roberta Larson Mark Leichthammer Samuel Low* Elaine Menter Jenifer & J Scott Pusey Mary Rollar Renee McClaugherty & John Schaak* Chris & Keri Sexton Lois Siegel~ Keith & Phyllis Small Donald Branton & David Smith Cynthia & David Susser Christina Von Stroh Andrea & Patrick Ware-Medina Joan Winstein CANTATA $200 - $499 Margaret Aarestad Safia Ahmed* Jennifer Allen Jason Anderson John Artley Nancy Atkinson Brenda Bailey-Hainer & Eugene Hainer Lizabeth Barnett & Brian Porzel Brian & Elizabeth Bauer

Jill & Robin Beemer Boyd & Sharon Berry Gordon & Terry Bloomberg Kathy Bollhoefer Paul Boulis Judy Bowman Rebecca Caldwell Jim & Joanie Calhoun Justin Cave Matthew Church Kate Criswell Julie Durst Eide Bailly LLP Don & Lil Filegar Marilyn & Wilbur Flachman Peter Fogg Mary Beth & Roger France Richard & Mary Gallivan Ann Gallivan Paul Gilbertson Christina Graham* Larry Graham Pamela & James Grange Ankush Gupta Keith* & Julie Harrison Scott Horowitz*^ & Leah Weinberg Debora Jerome Geoffrey Johnson Edi King Brett & Tami Krichiver Scott Elrod~ & Shannon* Lemmon-Elrod Anker Lerret Albert & Terri Link Ann Ludwig Mary Luellen Betsy & Tad Lyle Eric Matthys Carol & Jerry Mayer Paul Meissner Erin Meyerhoff* Sara Michael*^ Denver Municipal Band Reuben N Chad Nelsen* & Sara Swenson Donald & Sharron Neufeld Randy Nicholas Elizabeth & Theodore Obenchain Allison* & Timothy Pasternak Erin & Karl Pettitt Judd & Linda Rinsema Michael Rogers Pearl & David Rutherford Tom Carlock & Richard Schirrmacher Trysten Schlottmann Lisa Schrader Dean Schramm Terri Schwartz Paul & Cass Seely

Thank you to ALL of our donors! While we can’t name everyone individually, please know that your generous contributions mean the world to us. We truly appreciate your support!

DONORS Tony Silvestri Shelly Smith Kelley Southerland Noble Spencer Jayne Sullivan Teresa Bacon & Peter Sutherland Karen Sutherland Christopher Tin Julia Toll Marjory Ulm Stephen Van Hooser Vicki Vande Voort Randi Ellefson Deborah & Larry Weinberg Matt* & Annell Weissenbuehler Western Union Pam & Stan Whitaker John Wilson Austin Wintory Karen & Scott Yarberry OPERETTA $100 - $199 Diana Aberchah Paul Adams Emily*^ & Zach Alexander James & Laurie Alexander Emily Anderson Georgia & Jorge Arribau David & Lori Bailey Norm Barber Carol Bartley & Meredith Peters Dianne Betkowski Carly & Jordan Black Robert Blauvelt & Michael Corrigan Melissa Borkosky Christy Boyle Ken Brewster Evanne Browne Adam Bruttell George Chrest Carl Burgchardt Sharon Butz Craig Campbell Adam* & Emily Cave Ted & Elizabeth Cave Lisa & William Chumley Linda Coombe Benjamin* & Joshua*^ Corwyn Brian Crooks John Culshaw and Michael Marucs Chris Dearden Lee Dehmlow Edwin Deliz & Nancy Morales Linda Dey~ Steve & Vicki Doty David Doty Lisa Dudek Kristin Eck Mary Kaye Edwards Don Eisenberg Marilyn Elrod EOG Resources, Inc. Laura Epstein Scully Equinix, Inc.

Debra & Paul Eschliman Steve & Kris Eschliman Mary Ann Evancheck Robert & Ruth Fanslow Byron Ferguson Joan Finnegan Karen & William Fisher Lani & Richard Fletcher Mason France* & Samantha Garrett Karen & Bill Gallivan Craig & Cynthia Garrett Kristin Gildersleeve Mary Gill Diane Goodwin Michael Greenfield Carol Greenwald Sarah Griffin Tim Gulsrud Lisa Gumerman Gurr Family Charitable Fund Carol Hainsey Andrew & Rachel Halladay Carolyn & Vaughn Hanson Mark Hardcastle George Haskins Suzanne & Will Helmlinger Wil Henderson Daniel Herman Edward Holloway Brent & Connie Holtzen Antoinette Hubbard Courtney Huffman^ Lara Lee Hullinghorst Allan Hurst Trudy Boulter-Hynes & Patrick Hynes Winston Ian Lucretia Jackson Kelly Jarmuzek Katherine Johnson Shelley & Dan Kauffman Traci & Steve Kegley Greg & Rebecca Kendall Tyler Kendall Bill Kisselburgh Nancy Knoll Kelli Kubala Karen & Tom Lafferty Dick & Judy Larson Lori & Paul Lastrella Allen Lintvedt Curtis Lintvedt Dennis~ & Nancy~ Lintvedt Matt Lintvedt Norma & Ross Lubbers Dean & Sara Lund Jim Martens William Martinez Anthony Martini Laura McCleary Roberta McGann Elle & Tim McMahon Lisa Medina Brenda & Mark Mehos Pat Moore Kent Mueller Kayla Munoz

Ruth Neil Denise Nelsen Lise Nelson Sarah Noyes Ladean Nuanes Michelle Oliveira Jason & Lexie Orvin Palmer Household Jo Alyson Parker Linda & Mark Pasternak Roberta Pepper Marc Petersen & Nathaniel Hess Mike & Patricia Petraglia Sydney Purfield Cindy & George Quinlan Kate Raabe Philip Read James & Martina* Richardson Margaret Richardson Alicia*^ & David Rigsby Rick & Jan Rodabaugh Jerry Roemer Giovanna Romero Jake Runestad Vicki Sakata Jo-Michael & Mary Scheibe Terry Schlenker Lynne Scholfield Paula Schriefer Roger Kleckner & Lynn Selby John & Mary Shark Debbie Smith Austen & Christina Smith Susanne Smith David Spear Mike Spencer Susan Spencer Rose Martinez & Melvin D Stolzenburg Christianna* & Jeff Sullins Tim & Chris Sullivan Lynn & Steve Sutherland Mary Sutula Marleen Swanson Mom & Dad Tracy Tom Trenney James Vardas Nicole Versaw Janice Vlachos Robert & Jill von Trebra Laura Waligorski Tom Walsh Lynn Wearden Tom Westbrook Edwin & Kathleen Whitney Bruce & Julien Wiley Karen Witt Tammy Wright

Donors who contributed $100 or more between November 1, 2024 and October 31, 2025 are recognized in this progam * Singers ^ Board & Staff ~ Volunteers

In Memoriam and Honorarium Kelli & Steven Chan, in honor of Jennifer Moore Marilyn Elrod, in honor of Shannon Lemmon-Elrod Judy Fredericksen, in honor of Alex & Melissa Menter Elaine & Michael Gardner, in honor of Alicia Rigsby Annette & Jim Gunnerson, in honor of Kevin & Heather Gunnerson Roberta Larson, in honor of Bryce Kennedy Basil LeBlanc, in honor of Brad Larson

Donald & Sharron Neufeld, in honor of Judy Fredericksen Bobbie Pepper, in honor of Ximena Wheeler Jerry Roemer, in honor of John Ludwig Christopher Von Stroh, in honor of Jonathan Von Stroh S Patrice Von Stroh, in honor of Jonathan Von Stroh Michael Clohesy & Oliver Scofield, in memory of Gede Sukertia Andrew Halladay, in memory of Alison Roman

In Kind

Jory Education Fund

Kai Berry-Helmlinger Cherry Creek High School Joshua Corwyn First Plymouth UCC Susan Lewkow Metropolitan State University of Denver John Schaak

David Jory Bryce Kennedy & Joshua Larson

Elevate Classroom Grant

Alison N. Roman Memorial Scholarship

Georgia Arribau Pamela Mahonchak Tegan Masoero-Palmer Erin Meyerhoff

William Blyth Grace Bowen Linda & Randall Chilcote Sarah Schenkein Karen Sutherland

“Kantorei is an outstanding choir…excellent ensemble balance, fine intonation and musical expression…high level of energy.”

– Bruce McCollum, MusicWeb International, January 2021 "...Always engaging and colorful...sung with depth and conviction by Kantorei."

- Karl W. Nehring, Classical Candor, December 2020 “…one of the most incredible and spine-tingling concerts that I have heard in a long time. Looking forward to the rest of the season.”

SONG OFFERINGS A U L AL LB B UM M R RE EAVAILABLE! LE EA AS SE E N NO OV V 7 7T TH H NOW

SONG OFFERINGS ALBUM RELEASE NOV 7TH

TWO-TIME GRAMMY AWARDTWO-TIME GRAMMY AWARDTWO-TIME GRAMMY AWARDWINNING COMPOSER COMPOSER WINNING WINNING COMPOSER CHRISTOPHER TINTIN CHRISTOPHER CHRISTOPHER TIN

FEATURING KANTOREI AND

FEATURING KANTOREI AND AND FEATURING KANTOREI JOEL RINSEMA JOEL RINSEMA JOEL RINSEMA

AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE,WHEREVER WHEREVER YOU AND STREAM MUSIC AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE, YOUBUY BUY AND STREAM MUSIC AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE, WHEREVER YOU BUY AND STREAM MUSIC SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC | AMAZON MUSIC | TIDAL | YOUTUBE MUSIC DEEZER | PANDORA | ALSO AVAILABLE ON VINYL AND/OR CD

Downloads are available at Universal Music, Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, and Qobuz

Photo courtesy of Shruthi Rajesekar, Alia Rose Photography; Jake Runestad, Rob Davidson; Marques Garrett, Analisa Louise; Sarah Quartel, Eric Rockburn; Benedict Sheehan, John Wirick Photography; and Charles Anthony Silvestri, Catherine Norwood

Faces Faces of of Love: Love:

A New Choral Commission Faces Love: A Bold Bold Newof Choral Commission Exploring Exploring the the Many Many Dimensions Dimensions of of Love Love

A Bold New Choral aCommission Exploring Many Dimensions of Love We are excited to announce bold new commission Facesthe of Love.

This brand-new multi-movement We are excited to announce a bold new commission Faces of Love. This brand-new multi-movement choral work dives deep into the rich, complex, and transformative nature of love. Generously funded choral dives deep into the rich, complex, and transformative nature love.brand-new Generously funded Wework are singer excited to announce bold new commission Faces of Love.ofThis multiby Kantorei Keith Ferguson,awith original poetry by Charles Anthony Silvestri, brought to life by

by Kantorei singer Keith Ferguson, with original poetry by Charles Anthony Silvestri, brought to life by movement choral work dives deep into the rich, complex, and transformative nature of five distinguished composers—each contributing a unique movement to the work: Marques L. A. five distinguished composers—each contributing unique movement the work: Marques L. A. love. Generously funded by Kantorei singer aKeith Ferguson, withtooriginal poetry

by Charles Garrett, Sarah Silvestri, Quartel, Shruthi and Benedict Sheehan. contributing a Anthony broughtRajasekar, to life byJake fiveRunestad, distinguished composers—each Garrett, Sarah Quartel, Shruthi Rajasekar, Jake Runestad, and Benedict Sheehan. unique movement to the work: Marques L. A. Garrett, Sarah Quartel, Shruthi Rajasekar, Jake Runestad, and Benedict Sheehan.

To be premiered

by Kantorei fall 2027.

To be premiered by Kantorei fall 2027.

To be premiered by Kantorei fall 2027.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS KANTOREI 2025-26 CONCERT SEASON

FEBRUARY 28 & MARCH 1: SEASONS IN SONG SATURDAY, 2/28: First Plymouth UCC SUNDAY, 3/1: Wellshire Presbyterian Church

MAY 16 & 17: VOCES DEL SUR

SATURDAY, 5/16: First Plymouth UCC SUNDAY, 5/17: Wellshire Presbyterian Church

MAY 30: COLORADO NEW MUSIC FESTIVAL SATURDAY, 5/30: Central Presbyterian Church

DETAILS AND TICKETS AT WWW.KANTOREI.ORG

Kantorei would like to thank our sponsors for your generous and ongoing support!