2024-25 SEASON
SATURDAY
DECEMBER 7, 2024
8:00PM
WEDNESDAY
DECEMBER 11, 2024
8:00PM
Platinum Season Sponsor
Phillip N. and Mary A. Lyons
Concert Sponsors:
Trish O’Donnell
In loving memory of John D. O’Donnell
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church Newport Beach
Pacific Chorale
Robert Istad, artistic director & conductor
Kibsaim Escárcega, assistant conductor
Jung-A Lee, organ
David Clemensen, piano
ORGAN PRELUDE
Once in Royal David’s City
Henry Gauntlett (1805–1876)
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
Richard Storrs Willis (1819–1900) arr. Jung-A Lee
Jung-A Lee, organ
Love Came Down at Christmas (2004)
Eleanor Daley (b. 1955)
Text by Christina Rossetti (1830–1894)
Alexandra Burdick, soprano
Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, love divine, Love was born at Christmas, Star and angels gave the sign.
Alleluia, alleluia.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Worship we the Godhead, Love all lovely, love divine, Worship we our Jesus, But wherewith for sacred sign?
Alleluia, alleluia.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Love shall be our token, Love be yours and love be mine, Love to God and love to all, Love for plea and gift and sign.
Alleluia, alleluia.
In the Stillness (2007)
Sally Beamish (b. 1956)
Text by Katrina Shepherd
In the stillness of a church where candles glow, In the softness of a fall of fresh white snow, In the brightness of the stars that shine this night, In the calmness of a pool of healing light.
In the clearness of a choir that softly sings, In the oneness of a hush of angels’ wings, In the mildness of a night by stable bare, In the quietness of a lull near cradle fair.
There’s a patience as we wait for a new morn, And the presence of a child soon to be born.
Sing We Now of Christmas (2021)
“Noël Nouvelet,” Traditional French Carol arr. Kyle Pedersen
David Clemensen, piano
Sing we now of Christmas, Noël sing we here. Hearts in expectation, Noël drawing near. Sing we Noël, Noël, Noël, Sing we now of Christmas, sing we now Noël.
In stillness lays the world in silent reverie; Longing for the birth of love and mercy. Yearning for hope, good news to fill our souls; Turning to the manger that grounds all mystery.
Angels bending low, shepherds bend their knee, Wise men from the east all have come the child to see. All of creation where love has come to dwell; Sing we now of Christmas, the good news that we tell.
Sing Noël!
SING-ALONG: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
“Veni Emmanuel,”
Traditional French Plainsong arr. John Rutter
Jung-A Lee, organ
PLEASE JOIN US IN SINGING VERSES 1 AND 3.
O Magnum Mysterium
(1572)
Tomás Luis de Victoria (c. 1548–1611)
Kibsaim Escárcega, conductor
1. O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile her Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
(Verse 2 sung by Pacific Chorale)
O magnum mysterium et admirabile sacramentum, ut animalia viderent Dominum natum jacentem in praesepio.
O beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Jesum Christum. Alleluia.
Resonet in Laudibus (1597)
Johannes Eccard (1553–1611)
Text: 14th Century German Carol
Kibsaim Escárcega, conductor
Resonet in laudibus cum jucundis plausibus Sion cum fidelibus: apparuit quem genuit Maria.
Sunt impleta quae praedixit Gabriel. Eia, eia, Virgo Deum genuit quod divina voluit clementia.
Hodie apparuit in Israel: Ex Maria Virgine est natus Rex.
Magnum nomen Domini Emmanuel quod annuntiatum est per Gabriel.
3. O come, thou Key of David, come, And open wide our heav’nly home. Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O great mystery and wonderful sacrament, that animals should see the new-born Lord lying in a manger!
O blessed is the Virgin, whose womb was worthy to bear Jesus Christ the Lord. Alleluia!
Let praises resound with joyous acclaim: To Zion’s faithful the child born of Mary has appeared.
What Gabriel foretold has been fulfilled. Eia, A Virgin bore God, As the divine mercy willed.
Today He has appeared in Israel: From the Virgin Mary is born a King.
Great is the name of the Lord Immanuel, As was announced by Gabriel.
God Rest Ye (2016)
Traditional English Carol arr. David Chase
Kibsaim Escárcega, conductor David Clemensen, piano
Magnificat
from St. Paul’s Service (1950)
Herbert Howells (1892–1983)
Jung-A Lee, organ
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 done to me great things; And holy is his name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him throughout all generations. 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 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 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.
The
Unexpected Early Hour from A Winter Breviary (2022)
Reena Esmail (b. 1983)
Text by Rebecca Gayle Howell (b. 1975)
Praise be! praise be!
The dim, the dun, the dark withdraws. Our recluse morning’s found.
The river’s alive
The clearing provides
Lie down, night sky, lie down.
I feel the cold wind leaving, gone, I feel the frost’s relief.
My tracks in the snow can still be erased
In us, the sun believes.
Winter is, Winter ends, So the true bird calls.
The rocks cry out,
My bones cry out,
All the trees applaud.
Ev’ry hard thing lauds.
Lie down, night sky, lie down.
I know the seeding season comes, I know the ground will spring.
My fate is not night.
I don’t need to try.
Behold! The dawn, within.
Horizon lights across my thoughts, Horizon lines redraw.
Inside of my throat a rise of the gold
Inside my chest I thaw.
Winter is, Winter ends, Nothing stays the same.
The moon strikes high,
The sun strikes high and
Now I hear your name:
Earth’s Untired Change.
Praise be! praise be!
The unexpected early hour grows the good light long.
Our darkness ends, O mercy sun,
Trust can warm us all.
Begin again, again, again, O may our day begin!
SING-ALONG:
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
arr. David Willcocks
Text by Phillips Brooks (1835-1893)
Jung-A Lee, organ
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Text: Charles Wesley and George Whitefield
Verse 1: Harmony
Verse 2: Pacific Chorale only
Verse 3: Unison with descant
Hark! Hail 1. 3. the the her heav'n ald born
an Prince gels of sing Peace!
Glo Hail ry the to Sun the of
Music: Felix Mendelssohn
Arranger: David Willcocks
new Right born eous King; ness!
Peace Light on and earth life and to
mer all cy he mild, brings,
God Risen and with sin heal ners ing
re in con his ciled: wings;
Joy Mild ful he all lays ye his
na glo tions ry rise, by,
Join Born the that tri man umph no
of more the may skies, die,
With Born th'an to gel raise ic the
host sons pro of claim, earth,
Christ Born is to born give in them
Beth se le cond hem. birth.
Hark! Hark! the the her her ald ald
On This Silent Night
Sarah Quartel (b. 1982)
Text by the composer
David Clemensen, piano
Frosty fields are laid to rest. In the air, an arctic breath brings snow, blowing snow is drifting deep.
Frozen trees, protectors, see me safe in sleep, wrapped in dreams while the cold winds blow.
Cloaked in slumber with firelight dancing, and all is calm on this silent night.
Frosty fields, frozen trees, sleep in heavenly peace.
Cloaked in slumber with firelight dancing, yet all is calm while the storm blows on.
Cloaked in slumber with firelight dancing, wrapped in sleep with dreams enchanting, yet all is calm while the storm blows on, on this silent night.
Wexford Carol
Traditional Irish Carol arr. John Rutter
Good people all, this Christmas time, Consider well and bear in mind What our good God for us has done In sending his beloved Son.
With Mary holy we should pray, To God with love this Christmas Day In Bethlehem upon that morn, There was a blessed Messiah born.
The night before that happy tide, The noble Virgin and her guide Were long time seeking up and down To find a lodging in the town.
But mark how all things came to pass: From ev’ry door repelled, alas!
As long foretold, their refuge all Was but an humble ox’s stall.
Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep
Their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep To whom God’s angels did appear, Which put the shepherds in great fear. “Prepare and go,” the angels said, “To Bethlehem, be not afraid, For there you’ll find, this happy morn, A princely babe, sweet Jesus born.”
With thankful heart and joyful mind
The shepherds went the babe to find, And as God’s angel had foretold, They did our Saviour Christ behold. Within a manger he was laid And by his side the virgin maid Attending on the Lord of life, Who came on earth to end all strife.
In Dulci Jubilo (2017)
Traditional German Carol arr. Cecilia McDowall
Text translated by R. L. Pearsall (1795–1856)
Jung-A Lee, organ
In dulci jubilo (In sweet jubilation}
Let us our homage shew; Our heart’s joy reclineth
In praesepio (In a manger)
And like a bright star shineth.
Matris in gremio. (In mother’s lap)
Alpha es et O! (You are Alpha and Omega)
O Jesu parvule! (O infant Jesus)
I yearn for thee alway!
Hear me, I beseech thee,
O Puer optime! (O best of boys)
My prayer let it reach thee,
O Princeps gloriae! (O prince of glory)
Trahe me post te. (Draw me after you)
O Patris caritas, (O love of the Father)
O Nati lenitas! (O mercy of the Son)
Deeply were we stained
Per nostra crimina; (Through our sins)
But thou hast for us gained
Coelorum gaudia. (The joys of heaven)
O that we were there!
Ubi sunt gaudia, (Where are the joys)
If that they be not there?
There are angels singing
Nova cantica, (New songs)
There the bells are ringing
In Regis curia: (In the king’s courts)
O that we were there!
Mother’s Song (2020)
Jocelyn Hagen (b. 1980)
Anonymous Japanese text translation by Willis Barnstone (b. 1927)
If snow fall on the far field where travelers spend the night, I ask you, cranes, to warm my child in your wings.
Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy) (1980)
John Lennon (1940–1980)
Nate Brown, tenor & guitar
David Clemensen, piano
Close your eyes
Have no fear
The monster’s gone He’s on the run and your daddy’s here.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Beautiful boy.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Beautiful boy.
Before you go to sleep
Say a little prayer Ev’ry day in ev’ry way It’s getting better and better.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Beautiful boy.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Beautiful boy.
Out on the ocean, sailing away, I can hardly wait to see you come of age.
But I guess we’ll both just have to be patient.
‘Cause it’s a long way to go, a hard row to hoe. Yes, it’s a long way to go, but in the meantime,
Before you cross the street, Take my hand.
Life is what happens to you
While you’re busy making other plans.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Beautiful boy.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Beautiful boy.
Darling, darling, darling, Darling Sean.
Jupiter Shall Emerge (2023)
Joel Clarkson (b. 1986)
Text by Walt Whitman (1819–1892) from On the Beach at Night (1855)
... Weep not, child, Weep not, my darling, With these kisses let me remove your tears, ...
... Jupiter shall emerge, be patient, watch again another night, the Pleiades shall emerge, They are immortal, all those stars both silvery and golden shall shine out again, ...
SING-ALONG:
Silent Night
Franz Xaver Gruber (1787-1863)
arr. Bob Chilcott (b. 1955)
Jung-A Lee, organ
PLEASE JOIN US IN SINGING VERSES 1 AND 3.
O Be Joyful (2023)
Toby Young (b. 1990)
Anonymous 15th Century Text
Translation by Herman H. Brueckner (1866–1942)
David Clemensen, piano
1. 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, Sleep in heavenly peace.
(Verse 2 sung by Pacific Chorale)
3. Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love’s pure light; Radiance beams from thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
O be joyful, earth and sky, Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Unto us God’s Son came nigh, Hallelujah, hallelujah!
He for our salvation, Hallelujah, hallelujah! Left God’s habitation, Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Here the fairest Rose we see, Hallelujah, hallelujah! Blooming forth from Jesse’s tree, Hallelujah, hallelujah!
He the great incarnate Word, Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Jesus Christ doth help afford, Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Dona Nobis Pacem (2003)
Bob Chilcott (b. 1955)
Matthew Kellaway, baritone Emily Border, mezzo-soprano
Dona nobis pacem. Grant us peace.
10 YEARS OF CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT!
Pacific Chorale thanks the following for their generosity, enthusiasm, and support:
Our Lady Queen of Angels | Trish O’Donnell | John and Pat Lamb
Next Up:
Exodus: Handel’s Biblical Oratorio
SAT, MAR 29, 2025 AT 8:00PM
Featuring Pacific Chorale’s chamber choir in a double chorus, along with Baroque orchestra Bach Collegium San Diego. Encounter Handel’s riveting and powerful oratorio Israel in Egypt.
AUDITION FOR PACIFIC CHORALE
APPLY BY DECEMBER 17TH!
Calling all passionate choral singers! Are you ready to be part of an extraordinary musical experience? Pacific Chorale is seeking dedicated voices to join our ensemble, and we want YOU to be a part of it! From classical treasures to new masterworks, our choral repertory and performance opportunities will uplift your spirit. Limited membership available in all sections. Don’t miss the chance to be part of an exceptional community of singers!
Learn more about auditioning for Orange County’s GRAMMY® Award-winning Pacific Chorale at PacificChorale.org/auditions
ROBERT ISTAD
PHILLIP N. AND MARY A. LYONS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR CHAIR
ROBERT ISTAD, a Grammy Award-winning conductor who “fashions fluent and sumptuous readings” (Voice of OC) with his “phenomenal” artistry (Los Angeles Times), was appointed Pacific Chorale’s Artistic Director in 2017. Under his leadership, the chorus continues to expand its reputation for excellence for delivering fresh, thought-provoking interpretations of beloved masterworks, rarely performed gems and newly commissioned pieces. In July 2023, he led Pacific Chorale’s first international tour in seven years, conducting performances at leading venues in Austria, Germany and the United Kingdom. His
artistic impact can be heard on two recent recordings featuring Pacific Chorale, including the 2022 Grammy Award-winning “Mahler’s Eighth Symphony” with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Gustavo Dudamel on Deutsche Grammophon (2021), for which he prepared the chorus. It won Best Choral Performance and also garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Engineered Album, Classical. Additionally, Istad conducted the Pacific Chorale’s recording “All Things Common: The Music of Tarik O’Regan” released on Yarlung Records (2020). He regularly conducts and collaborates with Pacific Symphony, Berkshire Choral International, and Yarlung Records. His extensive credits also include recording for Sony Classical and guest conducting Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, Bach Collegium San Diego, Musica Angelica Baroque Orchestra, Bath Philharmonia, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Tesserae Baroque, and Freies Landesorchester Bayern. Istad has prepared choruses for such renowned conductors as Esa-Pekka Salonen, John Williams, John Mauceri, Keith Lockhart, Nicholas McGegan, Vasilly Sinaisky, Sir Andrew Davis, Bramwell Tovey, Carl St.Clair, Eugene Kohn, Giancarlo Guerrero, Marin Alsop, George Fenton, and Robert Moody. An esteemed educator, Istad is Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at California State University, Fullerton, where he was recognized as CSUF’s 2016 Outstanding Professor of the Year. He conducts the University Singers and manages a large graduate conducting program, in addition to teaching courses on conducting and performance practice. Istad, who is on the Executive Board of Directors of Chorus America and serves as Dean of Chorus America’s Conducting Academy, is in demand as guest conductor, lecturer, and clinician.
PACIFIC CHORALE
The Grammy Award-winning PACIFIC CHORALE, an Orange County “treasure” with a “fresh viewpoint” that “can sing anything you put in front of it with polish, poise and tonal splendor” (Orange County Register), has “risen to national prominence” (Los Angeles Times) since its inception in 1968. Hailed for delivering “thrilling entertainment” (Voice of OC), the resident choir at Segerstrom Center for the Arts is noted for its artistic innovation and commitment to expanding the choral repertoire. It has given world, U.S., and West Coast premieres of more than 40 works, including numerous commissions, by such lauded composers as John Adams, Jake Heggie, James Hopkins, David Lang, Morten Lauridsen, Tarik O’Regan, Karen Thomas, Frank Ticheli, András Gábor Virágh, and Eric Whitacre. In addition to presenting its own concert series each season, Pacific Chorale, led by Artistic Director Robert Istad, enjoys a long-standing partnership with Pacific Symphony, with which the choir made its highly anticipated Carnegie
Hall debut in 2018. The chorus also regularly appears with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, with which it won the 2022 Grammy Award for Best Choral Performance for its contribution to the live recording of “Mahler: Symphony No. 8, ‘Symphony of A Thousand,’” conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, featuring Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, Los Angeles Master Chorale, National Children’s Chorus and Pacific Chorale. The choir has performed with such leading orchestras as the Boston Symphony, National Symphony, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, and Musica Angelica, among others. In addition to receiving national accolades, Pacific Chorale has garnered tremendous international acclaim. In July 2023, the chorus completed its first international tour in seven years with appearances in Austria, Germany and the United Kingdom in collaboration with Bath Philharmonia, Free State Orchestra of Bavaria, and Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and Orchestra. Previous tours have taken the choir to 19 countries in Europe, South America, and Asia, including engagements with the London Symphony, Munich Symphony, L’Orchestre Lamoureux and L’Orchestre de St-Louis-en-l’Île of Paris, National Orchestra of Belgium, China National Symphony, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, Estonian National Symphony, and Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional of Argentina, among others. Deeply committed to making choral music accessible to everyone, the organization has a discography of 14 self-produced recordings and an extensive collection of free digital offerings. Among other artistic highlights, Pacific Chorale’s “The Wayfaring Project,” an original concert film conceived and conducted by Istad and produced during the pandemic, was streamed to audiences around the globe on pbssocal.org, kcet.org and the PBS app. Pacific Chorale also places significant emphasis on choral music education, providing after-school vocal programs for elementary school students, a choral summer camp for high school students, and an annual community-wide singing event at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. pacificchorale.org
PACIFIC CHORALE
Robert Istad, Phillip N. and Mary A. Lyons
Artistic Director Chair
John Alexander, Artistic Director Emeritus
Kibsaim Escárcega, Assistant Conductor
SOPRANO
Rebecca Hasquet, section leader
Alexandria Burdick
Chelsea Chaves
Jenna Hansen
Maria Cristina Navarro
Joslyn Sarshad
ALTO
Emily Border
Denean R. Dyson
Stacey Y. Kikkawa
Stephanie Shepson
Rachel Steinke
Mya Ujifusa
TENOR
Nicholas Preston, section leader
roger w. johnson memorial chair
Daniel Coy Babcock
Nate Brown
Saunder Choi
Jason Francisco
Alan Garcia
BASS
Ryan Thomas Antal, section leader
ron gray legacy chair
Michael Fagerstedt
Jens Hurty
Matthew Kellaway
Jason Pano
Raphael Poon
KIBSAIM ESCÁRCEGA serves as Assistant Conductor for the Grammy Award-winning Pacific Chorale. Born and raised in Southern California, he is an active presence in the choral community as a conductor, teacher, and singer. Escárcega holds degrees in Vocal Performance and Choral Conducting from the University of California, Irvine, and California State University, Fullerton. He studied voice under Dr. Darryl Taylor and Dubravka Zubovic, and conducting with Seth Houston, Stephen Tucker, Robert Istad, and Kimo Furumoto. At UC Irvine, Escárcega conducted the student-led BATS Choir, served as Assistant Conductor for the Chamber Singers and Concert Choir, and was Chorus Master for various UCI opera productions. During his graduate studies at CSUF, he held the position of Graduate Assistant Conductor for Titan Voices, Concert Choir, Opera Theatre, and University Singers, conducting numerous concerts and preparing choruses and instrumental ensembles for opera productions. Escárcega has also served as Chorus Master for Lyric Opera of Orange County, the region’s professional opera company, and has prepared choirs for distinguished international conductors in renowned venues, including the Segerstrom Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. His work has extended to significant public events, such as preparing choirs for memorial services, underscoring the role of music in bringing communities together.
DR. JUNG-A LEE has performed in Europe, North America, Asia and Africa as an organist, pianist, harpsichordist, and conductor. She currently serves as organist at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, California, and sub-dean of The American Guild of Organists Orange County Chapter. Lee is also on the faculty of Biola University and Vanguard University. In 2009 Lee founded Music Mission International to promote classical music focusing on organ. Since 2018 she has played with David Chang (clarinet) and Cynthia Ellis (flute) as Synergy Trio. In addition, she works for Pacific Chorale and Pacific Symphony as keyboardist. Lee has given solo organ recitals in venues including the Cadet Chapel at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York; St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in New York; Woolsey Hall at Yale University; The Memorial Church and Rudolph Busch Hall at Harvard University; Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC; Methuen Music Hall in Massachusetts; Grace Cathedral in San Francisco; Renée and Henry Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa; Crystal Cathedral (now Christ Cathedral) in Garden Grove; the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles; and the First Congregational Church of Los
Angeles. She completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in organ performance from Boston University. She served as an organ scholar of The Memorial Church, Harvard University from 2001 to 2003. Lee earned her Master of Music degree in organ performance from Yale University with a full scholarship and worked as a collaborative pianist for the Opera School at Yale, receiving numerous prizes including the Charles Ives Prize. Her teachers include Thomas Murray, Martin Jean, Gerre Hancock, John Tuttle, Karl Hochreither, Michael Bloss, William Wright and Lori Loftus. She has also participated in master classes with Olivier Latry, Marilyn Keiser and Susan Landale. Lee has worked with many fine conductors including Christopher Hogwood, Doreen Rao, Carl St.Clair, John Alexander, Robert Istad, Bramwell Tovey, Murray Somerville, James Melton, Joseph Huszti, Chai-Hoon Park and Locky Chung. Lee can be heard as organist on Rorem: Works for Choir and Organ/Harvard University Choir (Black Box 1102), on the recordings of the Men in Blaque of UC Irvine,
and the recordings of the Concert Choir of Vanguard University of Southern California. Music Mission International’s first DVD, Beauty in the Wind, was released in 2010, from which several pieces were broadcast on the radio program Pipedreams, hosted by Michael Barone. Her 2012 recording Precious Lord includes numerous hymn arrangements and features David Washburn (trumpet), Valerie Geller (violin), and Lori Loftus (piano). In 2013 she was also featured at KUSC, 91.5 FM MHz, South Carolina ETV and Kookdong Korean Christian Radio. In 2014 her 90-minute organ solo recital was broadcast at KVPR, 89.3 FM. Her CD, Amazing Grace was recorded at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles on the organ built by Rosales/Glatter-Götz. In 2018 her CD recorded at Walt Disney Concert Hall was released by Grammy Award winning Yarlung Records. www.musicmissioninternational.org
Visit pacificchorale.org/events/carols-by-candlelight for more information about this evening’s soloists!
DAVID CLEMENSEN is active as a pianist, teacher, church musician and composer. A native Californian, he holds degrees from Chapman University, CSU Fullerton, and the Doctorate of Musical Arts in collaborative piano from USC. 2023-2024 marks his 21st season as pianist for Pacific Chorale. He may be heard on several of Pacific Chorale’s recordings, including American Voices and The Radio Hour: Choral Music of Jake Heggie. He is in demand throughout Southern California as a collaborator and coach. Dr. Clemensen has taught at Biola University and Fullerton College, and maintains a private studio as an accompanist and teacher. Often called upon to lead music for events of the C. S. Lewis Foundation, he directed the Service of Dedication for the Study Center at Lewis’ home, the Kilns, at the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford, England. A lifelong church musician, he is Director of Music at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Ontario. His compositions have been performed by many choirs throughout the U.S, and he won the American Orff-Schulwerk competition for his William Blake setting The Tyger and the Lamb.
PACIFIC CHORALE’S UPCOMING CONCERTS
ALL CONCERTS CONDUCTED BY ROBERT ISTAD
AT THE RENÉE AND HENRY SEGERSTROM CONCERT HALL:
Tis the Season!
SUN, DEC 22, 2024 AT 5:00 PM
MON, DEC 23, 2024 AT 5:00 PM
Hop on Pacific Chorale’s sleigh for one of Orange County’s cherished musical traditions, an unforgettable festivity featuring holiday songs old and new. Delight in joyful surprises and a visit from the Man in Red, Santa Claus!
Mozart’s Requiem
SAT, MAY 24, 2025 AT 8:00PM
Witness the timeless beauty of Mozart’s Requiem, elevated to new heights with a captivating world premiere commission by Pacific Symphony’s composer-inresidence, Viet Cuong, in honor of Carl St.Clair’s 35 th season.
AT OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS:
Exodus: Handel’s Biblical Oratorio
SAT, MAR 29, 2025 AT 8:00PM
Featuring Pacific Chorale’s chamber choir in a double chorus, along with Baroque orchestra Bach Collegium San Diego. Encounter Handel’s riveting and powerful oratorio Israel in Egypt.
GUEST APPEARANCES WITH PACIFIC SYMPHONY
LUNAR NEW YEAR | FEB 1, 2025
PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE 17
CARMINA BURANA | FEB 27–MAR 2, 2025
VERDI’S REQUIEM | JUN 5-8, 2025
DEAR FRIENDS,
As we approach the end of another fantastic year of choral music, I want to thank you for being a part of the Pacific Chorale family.
We are dedicated to bringing choral music of the highest caliber to Orange County, including groundbreaking new projects like To The Hands , hailed by Culture OC as “an ambitious and consciousness-raising season opener.” We are also committed to strengthening our ties to the community through new partnerships with such organizations as the OC Food Bank, and by expanding education programs like Pacific Chorale Academy, which impacted over 500 elementary school students this past year alone.
As you think about your plans for year-end giving, would you please consider a donation in support of Pacific Chorale’s mission?
Ticket sales only cover about 1/3 of the expenses to produce one of our concerts, which means support from friends like you is essential to our success. With your help, we will continue to bring inspiring, impactful choral music to our community for years to come.
Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, peaceful, and joyous holiday season.
Rhett M. Del Campo PRESIDENT & CEO
To The Hands
Spring Gala Honoring John Alexander, Artistic Director Emeritus
Chamber Choir
Pacific Chorale Academy
LASTING LEGACY: THE JACOBS’ COMMITMENT TO PACIFIC CHORALE’S FUTURE
Michael and Susan Jacobs have a special connection to Pacific Chorale that goes beyond their generosity as donors.
Both long-time singers in the choir, they’ve experienced the impact of choral music and community firsthand. Here, they share how the Pacific Chorale has shaped their lives and why they are committed to its future through the Legacy Society.
BY NATALIE OSWALD
NATALIE: How did each of you first get involved with Pacific Chorale?
SUSAN: I joined in 1989 after auditioning for John Alexander [Artistic Director Emeritus] with a friend. Singing with the Chorale became a lifeline for me during a challenging time—it truly kept me going, kept me alive, really. And I met my husband, Michael, through the choir in 2001! We’ve been a great team ever since and I’m so grateful for the love and the rich experiences the Chorale has brought into my life.
MICHAEL: I sang with Pacific Chorale for 18 years and stepped away after retiring in 2001 to pursue other passions. We still sing together at Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, and I’m also with the Southern California Master Chorale.
NATALIE: Tell us about your commitment to the Legacy Society and why you’re supporting the Endowment Fund through planned giving.
SUSAN: Our planned giving through the Endowment Fund is a way to ensure the Chorale’s sustainability for generations to come. By contributing in this way, our contribution grows over time, providing ongoing resources for the organization. While we might not be able to give as much as some others during our lifetimes, we feel it’s important to give back in a way that reflects the joy the Chorale has brought us. Our friends are also Legacy Society members, and together, we want to ensure that Pacific Chorale continues to thrive, not just now, but long into the future.
MICHAEL: When John Alexander introduced us to the idea of planned giving, he emphasized how vital it is to the Chorale’s long-term success. After speaking with him, we decided to make a bequest to support the Endowment. You don’t have to be a millionaire during your lifetime to make a difference—a bequest of any amount helps ensure the future of Pacific Chorale.
NATALIE: Do you still contribute annually, aside from your legacy commitment?
SUSAN: Yes, we believe in continuing our support for the Chorale now, even as we plan for the future. Our contributions vary each year, but we give what we can to help the Chorale provide the musical excellence Orange County has come to expect.
NATALIE: What would you say to others considering joining the Legacy Society?
SUSAN: Legacy giving is an easy way to make an impact, even if you don’t have cash on hand. It’s a great option for those who want to help but aren’t ready to make a large upfront gift.
MICHAEL: Legacy giving also allows you to reflect on how you want to support your community in the long term. It’s a wonderful way to help the Chorale continue its education and outreach programs.
Michael and Susan Jacobs’ story reflects their deep commitment to Pacific Chorale. Through the Legacy Society, they’re helping ensure the organization’s future, inspiring others to make sure choral music will resonate for generations. For information on planned giving or to RSVP for the Legacy Society dinner, contact Natalie Oswald at (714) 662-2345 x227 or noswald@pacificchorale.org.
PACIFIC CHORALE DONORS
Pacific Chorale gratefully acknowledges the following donors for their generous contributions since September 2023. These contributions enable Pacific Chorale to continue serving the community with performances of the highest artistic quality, and providing exceptional educational programs designed to continue the tradition of choral artistry in Orange County.
GIFTS OF DISTINCTION
We gratefully acknowledge the following donors, whose total gifts are in excess of $1 million, for their exceptional generosity and commitment to the success of the nationally recognized Pacific Chorale.
William J. Gillespie* Phillip N. and Mary A. Lyons Lenora Meister
$100,000 AND ABOVE
Phillip N. and Mary A. Lyons
Lenora Meister and Salt-Away Products, Inc.
Vina Williams* and Tom Slattery
$25,000 TO $99,999
Karl and Marilyn Forsstrom
Hans and Valerie Imhof
Janice Johnson
John and Lori Loftus
Trish O’Donnell
Dennis and Marcía O’Hern
Charles and Ling Zhang
$10,000 TO $24,999
Mary Ester Blakley
Jan Landstrom
James and Karen McBride
Haydee Mollura
Kenneth and Carla Neeld
Thomas and Bonnie Pridonoff
Loraine Reed
$5,000 TO $9,999
Mike Andrews
John and Marcia Cashion
Mark and Donna Hoover
Mei Yen Huang Chang
Chris and Susan Lindley
Kit and Lee Moulton
Pat and Craig Newton
Deborah Pasarow
$2,500 TO $4,999
Brian D. Bates, CPA
Kathryn Gibson
Tom and Anne Henley
Richard J. McNeil
Richard Messenger
Dr. Irvin and Mr. Michael Navarrete-Carroll
Dr. Andrei Novac and Dr. Bonita Jaros
Stephane Quinn
Diane Stovall
Dr. Deborah Then and Prof. George Foster
Fram and Julie Virjee
Peter and Martha Wetzel
Jun Yao and Barbara Wang
$1,000 TO $2,499
John Alexander
Chris Anderson
David L. Bates
Margaret and Kenneth Blair
Dennis and Stephanie Blanchard
Michael and Valerie Cantwell
Terry and Phyllis Clark
Hugh Davies
Rhett M. Del Campo and Elena Madrigal Hall
Dr. Robert and Christine Emmons
Margaret M. Gates
Song Guo
Maria Hall-Brown
Mike and Susan Jacobs
Donna Janes
John Lundsten
Nancy Lyons
Dr. Goran S. Matijasevic
David and Darrellyn Melilli
Drs. John Mooney and Angela Tripoli
Mark J. Nielsen
Gus and Leslie Ordonez
Judith Posnikoff
George H. I. Reiss
Casey and Naomi Reitz
Kirsten and Craig Springer
Carl and Susan St.Clair
Amanda and Andrew Whiting
$100 TO $999
Mark E. Aldrich
Brien Amspoker and Ellen Breitman
Tom Anderson
Deborah and Jim Babcock
Steve and Jennifer Baker
Raymond and Lois Helm Beeman
Wanlyn Bejach
Carl and Regina Blankenhorn
Andrew and Michelle Brouwer
John and Kay Brown
Julie Bussell
Art and Donna Carter
Steven and Sandra Chiang
Joseph and Julie Chien
Denise B. Chilcote
Mikki Cichocki
Ronald Clark
C. Leonard Coduti
Kathy J. Cook
Paige Cotcamp
Douglas and Rosalie Cruz
Lee Daigle
Charles and Darlette Dexter
John Paul Drayer
Denean R. Dyson
Robert and Elaine Elliott
Judi Elterman
Howard and Janet Emery
David and Jacline Evered
Harvey and Sharon Fair
Rosemary P. Fennell
DeAnn Forbes
John Forsyte and Michele Moe-Forsyte
Alan Garcia
Larry Gates
Carol Gentry
Nancy L. Gerhard
Rhona Gewelber
James and Sharon Givens
Randall Goldberg
Edward Gutierrez
Peter Hahn
Michael and Janet Hards
John R. Hargreaves Sr.
Carol and William Hatton
Catherine Henley-Erickson
Diana Hensley
Ed and Mary Louise Hlavac
Gil Ibarra
Wendy Isbell
Lynne and Mike Istad
Dr. Robert Istad and David Navarro
Eileen Jeanette
Dr. Mark Chapin Johnson
Mary Beth Johnson
Norm and Sandy Johnson
Audrey D. Kapelinski
Kellee King
Barbara Kingsbury
Craig and Deborah Kistler
James and Lidia Klingler
Jonathan Krauss
Dr. John and Patricia Lamb
Wayne Langford
Patricia Liu
Suzi Lyons
Amira Mansour
Dale Marquis
Deb Matsumoto
James and Becky McGaugh
Dr. John and Deborah Middlebrooks
Herbert and Joyce Miller
Jeanette Moon
Richard Moore
Ann and Steve Morris
Douglas and Kimberly Nason
Alexander Nelson
Wayne Norman
Charles Oh
Ann Peralta
Joan S. Petty
Sandy Possehl
Dorcas Preston
Kathleen and Nicholas Preston
Donald Rabe
Nina Rahe
Frank and Dana Ramos
Karyn Rashoff
Ryan Ratcliff
Thomas Ringland
Kathryn Ryan
Kumiko Sakai
Matthew Samia
Dr. and Mrs. James G. Schulze
P. A. Sefton
William Shelly
Howard Shen
Jasmine Shodja
Stan Sholik and Linda Wells Sholik
Wendy Sobeski
Grayson Stamps
Tracy Steele
Peter and Mary Tennyson
Matthew and Sarah Thompson
Frank and Shari Ticheli
Joseph and Kathryn Tillotson
Gary and Marjie Toops
Nancy C. Untener
Tom Unvert
Beth Varney
Errnest and Diane Velarde
Todd and Kris Ward
Terri Wedell
Celeste Wells
Dr. Stanley White
Gregory Woll and Kathryn Cobb Woll
Susie Xie
Richard Zevnik
Karen Zfaty
Greg Zwetow
GOVERNMENT, CORPORATE & FOUNDATION SUPPORT
$25,000 AND ABOVE
Anonymous
The Capital Group
Salt-Away Products, Inc
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
The Segerstrom Foundation
$10,000 TO $24,999
California Arts Council
Irvine Barclay Theatre
National Endowment for the Arts
$5,000 TO $9,999
Farmers & Merchants Bank
Lon V. Smith Foundation
Newport Beach
Cultural Arts Commission
$1,000 TO $4,999
American Feel Young Chorus
Cal State Fullerton College of the Arts
City of Costa Mesa
Colburn Foundation
Robert & Doreen Marshall Fund of the Orange County Community Foundation
$100 TO $999
The Kroger Co.
Renaissance Charitable Foundation, Inc.
ENDOWMENT FUND
Contributions to Pacific Chorale’s Endowment Fund are invested in perpetuity. The interest generated from the Endowment helps to provide the Chorale with long-term financial stability. The Chorale is delighted to acknowledge its generous Endowment Fund donors. We are deeply grateful to them for their belief and investment in the organization’s future.
COMMITMENTS OF $1,000,000+
William J. Gillespie*
Phillip N. and Mary A. Lyons, Artistic Director Chair
COMMITMENTS OF $100,000 & UP
Ron Gray*
James and Karen McBride
Vina and Barry Williams*
COMMITMENTS OF $50,000 & UP
Mike Andrews
Janice Johnson in memory of Roger W. Johnson
John* and Jan Landstrom
John* and Elizabeth Stahr
COMMITMENTS OF $25,000 & UP
Marilyn and Tom Nielsen
George H. I. Reiss
COMMITMENTS OF $10,000 & UP
Wells Fargo Bank
Greg and MarJane* Christofferson
Dr. Edward and Mrs. Helen Shanbrom* in memory of David Lee Shanbrom
COMMITMENTS OF $5,000 & UP
Anne B. Nutt
COMMITMENTS OF $1,000 & UP
Anonymous
Michael Carroll
Dr. James* and Yuko Kawai Dunning
Margaret Gates
Michael and Eleanor Gordon
Dennis V. Menke
Richard Messenger
Richard McNeil
Jeanette Moon
Donna Morse
Carl and Susan St.Clair in celebration of Cole Carsan St.Clair
ENCORE SOCIETY
The Encore Society recognizes and honors those who have included Pacific Chorale as part of their estate planning. Pacific Chorale gratefully acknowledges the following benefactors for their visionary support, ensuring the preservation of quality choral music and education.
Anonymous
Mark E. Aldrich
John Alexander
Percy Brotherton*
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Campbell
Phyllis and Terry Clark
Warren Coy
Denean R. Dyson
Jacline R. Evered
Roger and Geri Gibb*
Ron Gray*
George W. Haas*
George Hatchard*
Tom and Anne Henley
Mark and Donna Hoover
Dennis L. Houser
Michael and Susan Jacobs
Barbara Kingsbury
John* and Jan Landstrom
Randi W. Larsen
Phillip N. and Mary A. Lyons
Karen M. and James S. McBride
Richard Messenger
Jeanette Moon
Thomas C. Moore Trust*
Ann and Steve Morris
Betsy* and Jerry Moulton
Patricia Newton
Trish O’Donnell
Elizabeth Pearson
Sandy and Val Policky
Thomas A. and Bonnie J. Pridonoff
Loraine Reed
George H. I. Reiss
Ron Rudderow*
Jane Shepherd
Susan Van Wig
Martha and Peter Wetzel
Vina Williams*
* deceased
If you have already remembered Pacific Chorale in your estate plan, or are interested in doing so, please contact us at (714) 662-2345. All inquiries will be strictly confidential.
IN-KIND GIFTS
Pacific Chorale wishes to thank the following business and individuals for their generous in-kind donations of goods and services over the last year.
Catalina Flyer
Coast Pharmacy
Shari Cole
DAOU Winery
Hi-Time Wine Cellars
Hope Family Wines
Barbara Kingsbury
Jan Landstrom
Randi Larsen
Carla and Kenneth Neeld
Pat Newton
Pacific Symphony
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Julie Virjee
Very special care has been given to the preparation of donor listings. This list is current as of November 6, 2024. We deeply regret any errors and omissions, and appreciate your phone call to Pacific Chorale at (714) 662-2345 or email to ContactUs@PacificChorale.org with needed corrections.
Thank you for your support of Pacific Chorale.
LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP
PACIFIC CHORALE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Craig Springer board chair
Executive Committee
Rhett M. Del Campo president & ceo
Amanda Whiting vice chair
Susan Lindley secretary
Brian D. Bates, CPA treasurer
Mary A. Lyons
Thomas A. Pridonoff immediate past chair
Directors
David Bunker
Maria Hall-Brown
Christopher Lindley
Rick McNeil
Marcia O’Hern
Stephane Quinn
Ryan Ratcliff artists’ council representative
Michael Vantrease
Julie Virjee
Li Hong Wang
Distinguished Emeritus Directors
Mary A. Lyons, chair emeritus
Michael J. Carroll
Stanley Cochran
Bonnie Brittain Hall
Janice M. Johnson
Karen Johnson
Jan Landstrom
Marcus Lussier
Thomas H. Nielsen
Anne B. Nutt
George Reiss
Elizabeth D. Stahr
PACIFIC CHORALE PERSONNEL
Rhett M. Del Campo
president & ceo
Robert Istad
artistic director & conductor
John Alexander artistic director emeritus
Administration
Alex Nelson vice president, artistic production & operations
Ryan McSweeney director of patron services
Natalie Hunter director of marketing
Natalie Oswald
associate director of development
Michaela Teissere
administrative assistant
Rose Taylor
education program manager
Molly Buzick Pontin, DMA grants manager
Josiah Sanchez house manager Vacant finance manager
Artistic Staff
Kibsaim Escárcega assistant conductor
David Clemensen, DMA collaborative pianist
Rebecca Hasquet soprano section leader
Jane Hyun-Jung Shim alto section leader
Nicholas Preston tenor section leader
Ryan Thomas Antal bass section leader
Robert Brader
teaching artist
Grace Park
teaching artist
Ryan Koo
teaching artist
Yoonjeong Park
academy accompanist
Volunteer Administration
Barbara Kingsbury historian
Ryan Ratcliff artists’ council president
Consultants & Support
www.PacificChorale.org
MISSION STATEMENT
We inspire our community through artistry and innovation in choral music performances and education programs.
PACIFIC CHORALE
3303 Harbor Blvd., Suite E5 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 662-2345
ContactUs@PacificChorale.org
Pacific Chorale is a member of Arts Orange County and Chorus America.
