C
hristmas is inextricably linked with music. Whether decking the hall, shopping for presents, enjoying fellowship with family and friends carolling out in the crisp night air, we naturally gravitate towards those old familiar songs (and some new favourites!). This is not a new phenomenon: for centuries the church has saved some of its best music for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, and as singers we have a rich heritage from which we can draw in order to ensure that we present the very best soundtrack to your season. Outside religious services, this “most wonderful time of the year” has inspired songwriters and poets to write some of the best-loved songs, providing a comforting celebratory backdrop during the winter months. A Chorale Christmas has become one of the staple events in the Valley’s festive calendar, and this year we present a special program of music old and new with the intention of bringing you tidings of comfort and joy and adding some sparkle to your Holiday Season!
Christopher Gabbitas Artistic Director, Phoenix Chorale
We give heartfelt thanks to COMMERCE MEDICAL GROUP for providing daily COVID-19 testing to our artists, to enable them to perform safely together! COMMERCEMEDICALGROUP.COM
CHRISTOPHER GABBITAS, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR TOM PETERSON, ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR DR. JEREMY PETERMAN, ORGAN
a chorale CHRISTMAS Veni, veni Emmanuel O magnum mysterium (Antiphon I)* THE TREE OF LIFE Jesus Christ the Apple Tree Sans Day Caro Christ the Apple Tree
Trad. arr. Philip Lawson
b.1957
Cecilia McDowall
b.1951
Elizabeth Poston 1905-1987 John Rutter b.1945 Stanford Scriven b.1988
O nata lux (Antiphon II)*
Cecilia McDowall
SING ALONG: The First Nowell (with organ)
Trad. arr. Sir David Willcocks
LULLABIES FOR THE INFANT KING At the manger Mary sings Dormi Jesu Sing lullaby
b.1951
1919-2015
Graham Lack b.1954 John Rutter b.1945 Herbert Howells 1892-1983
O virgo virginum (Antiphon III)*
Cecilia McDowall
SING ALONG: God rest ye merry, gentlemen (with organ)
b.1951
Trad. arr. Sir David Willcocks
1919-2015
Trad. arr. Sir David Willcocks
1919-2015
- INTERMISSION Sussex Carol THE ADORATION OF THE SHEPHERDS Gabriel’s message The Shepherds’ Farewell The Shepherds’ Carol
Trad. arr. Jim Clements b.1983 Hector Berlioz 1803-1869 Bob Chilcott b.1955
SING ALONG: O come all ye faithful! (with organ) CHRISTMAS SONGS Still still still In the bleak midwinter Sleigh Ride
Trad. arr. Sir David Willcocks
1919-2015
Trad. Austrian arr. Alexander L’Estrange Gustav Holst 1874-1934 arr. Alexander L’Estrange Leroy Anderson 1908-1975 arr. Alexander L’Estrange
b.1974 b.1974 b.1974
*World Premiere in honor of the Centennial Celebration of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral (Phoenix, AZ)
special thank you to our
TITLE SPONSORS
TRINITY EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL
CAMELBACK BIBLE CHURCH
BROPHY CHAPEL
JEFFREY HEIMER & LINDA BROCK
NORMAN FRIESEN
TOM & ALYSSA REIMERS 2021|22 SEASON AND LYNNE TRAVERSE
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a chorale CHRISTMAS - lyrics and translations VENI VENI EMMANUEL LATIN TEXT: Veni, veni Emmanuel! Captivum solve Israel! Qui gemit in exilio, Privatus Dei Filio, Gaude, gaude, Emmanuel nascetur pro te, Israel.
ENGLISH TRANSLATION: O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Veni o Jesse virgula! Ex hostis tuos ungula, De specu tuos tartari Educ, et antro barathri. Gaude, gaude, Emmanuel nascetur pro te, Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan’s tyranny; From depths of hell Thy people save, And give them victory o’er the grave. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Veni, veni o oriens! Solare nos adveniens, Noctis depelle nebulas, Dirasque noctis tenebras. Gaude, gaude, Emmanuel nascetur pro te, Israel.
O come, Thou Dayspring, from on high, And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Veni clavis Davidica! Regna reclude coelica, Fac iter Tutum superum, Et claude vias Inferum. Gaude, gaude, Emmanuel nascetur pro te, Israel.
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.
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PHOENIX CHORALE
‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’ was originally written in Latin with a title of ‘VENI, VENI, EMMANUEL’ (documents featuring the title and words date back to 1710). The English translation came about in 1851 when priest and scholar John Mason Neale’s version featured in the pages of The Hymnal Noted – a key text in the history of hymns collected by hymnal documenter Thomas Helmore. Neale also originated the words to ‘Good King Wenceslas’, making him officially one of history’s most festive clergymen! - Daniel Ross
a chorale CHRISTMAS
O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM LATIN TEXT: O magnum mysterium, et admirabile sacramentum, ut animalia viderent Dominum natum, jacentem in praesepio! Beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Christum. Alleluia.
JESUS CHRIST THE APPLETREE 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. His 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 Appletree. For happiness I long have sought, And pleasure dearly I have bought; I missed of all but now I see ‘Tis found in Christ the Appletree. I’m weary with my former toil Here I will sit and rest awhile, Under the shadow I will be, Of Jesus Christ the Appletree.
ENGLISH TRANSLATION: O great mystery, and wonderful sacrament, that animals should see the new-born Lord, lying in a manger! Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy to bear Christ the Lord. Alleluia!
SANS DAY CAROL Now the holly bears a berry as white as the milk, And Mary she bore Jesus, who was wrapped up in silk CHORUS And Mary she bore Jesus our Saviour for to be, And the first tree that’s in the greenwood, it was the holly. Holly! Holly! And the first tree that’s in the greenwood, it was the holly! Now the holly bears a berry as green as the grass, And Mary she bore Jesus, who died on the cross: CHORUS Now the holly bears a berry as black as the coal, And Mary she bore Jesus, who died for us all:
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CHORUS Now the holly bears a berry, as blood is it red, Then trust we our Saviour, who rose from the dead:
PHOENIX CHORALE
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 Appletree.
WORLD PREMIERE
CHORUS
2021|22 SEASON
a chorale CHRISTMAS - lyrics and translations CHRIST THE APPLETREE 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. The poem JESUS CHRIST, THE APPLE TREE first appeared in Spiritual Magazine in 1761 and was likely written by a pastor named Rev. Richard Hutchens. Hutchens knew the patience needed to bring a sapling fruit tree to fruition and what it means to anticipate its ripening fruit and the sweet flavor it will offer at harvest time. What a wonderful gift an apple is; both as a spiritual symbol (“This fruit doth make my soul to thrive”) and as one of few life-sustaining foods that can absorb outward physical stress and endure to take us through the long winter storms. - Carol Reynolds
O NATA LUX
His 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 Appletree. For happiness I long have sought, And pleasure dearly I have bought; I missed of all but now I see ‘Tis found in Christ the Appletree. I’m weary with my former toil Here I will sit and rest awhile, Under the shadow I will be, Of Jesus Christ the Appletree. 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 Appletree.
WORLD PREMIERE
PHOENIX CHORALE
6 LATIN TEXT: O nata lux de lumine, Jesu redemptor saeculi, Dignare clemens supplicum Laudes precesque sumere. Qui carne quondam contegi Dignatus es pro perditis, Nos membra confer effici Tui beati corporis.
a chorale CHRISTMAS
ENGLISH TRANSLATION: O Light born of Light, Jesus, redeemer of the world, with loving-kindness deign to receive suppliant praise and prayer. Thou who once deigned to be clothed in flesh for the sake of the lost, grant us to be members of thy blessed body.
A REVIVAL OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS At the beginning of the 19th century, the singing of Christmas carols was dying out in England. It is Davies Gilbert who is credited with initiating a revival of sorts. ‘The First Nowell’ was first published in Gilbert’s Some Ancient Christmas Carols in 1823. He took it from a manuscript of Cornish carols made around 1817. Ten years later, a man named William Sandys was concerned that the celebration of Christmas was ‘on the wane.’ His action that changed this was to compile a collection of carols in order to preserve them. Sandys’ collection of Christmas Carols begins with a history of the Christmas celebration, followed by a total of 80 carols. It is here that The First Noël was first published with words by Sandys in his 1833 edition of Christmas Carols, Ancient and Modern. All subsequent versions of The First Noël have been based on the version found in Sandys’ collection. The First Noël spread throughout the land by way of Methodist churches. By 1918 at the first service of Nine Lessons and Carols in Cambridge, ‘The First Nowell’ was chosen as the final hymn, being sung by the congregation alone. -Thomas Acreman
SING ALONG: THE FIRST NOWELL The first nowell the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; in fields where they lay keeping their sheep on a cold winter's night that was so deep. Nowell, nowell, nowell, nowell, born is the King of Israel. They looked up and saw a star shining in the east beyond them far; and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night. Nowell, nowell, nowell, nowell, born is the King of Israel. CHOIR ONLY And by the light of that same star three wise men came from country far; to seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went. Nowell, nowell, nowell, nowell, born is the King of Israel. CHOIR and AUDIENCE Then let us all with one accord sing praises to our heavenly Lord who hath made heaven and earth of nought, and with his blood mankind hath bought. Nowell, nowell, nowell, nowell, born is the King of Israel.
AT THE MANGER MARY SINGS 7
O shut your bright eyes that mine must endanger With their watchfulness; protected by its shade Escape from my care.
PHOENIX CHORALE
What can you discover from my tender look, but how to be afraid? Love can but confirm the more it would deny. Close your bright eye.
2021|22 SEASON
a chorale CHRISTMAS - lyrics and translations DORMI JESU LATIN TEXT: Dormi, Jesu. Mater ridet Quae tam dulcem somnum videt, Dormi, Jesu, dormi Jesu, blandule.
ENGLISH TRANSLATION: Sleep, Jesus. Your mother she smiles: It is such a sweet sleep she watches, Sleep, Jesus, Jesus, sleep, gentle.
Si non dormis, Mater plorat, Inter fila cantans orat, Blande, veni, blande, veni somnule. Dormi, Jesu, dormi Jesu, blandule.
If you are not sleeping, mother cries Among the praises that she sings, she prays, Quietly, go on sweetly to sleep. Sleep, Jesus, Jesus, sleep, so gently.
Sleep, sweet baby. my cares beguiling: Mother sits beside thee smiling; Sleep, my darling, sleep my darling tenderly! Dormi, Jesu, dormi Jesu, blandule.
Sleep, sweet baby. My cares beguiling: Mother sits beside thee smiling; Sleep, my darling, sleep my darling tenderly! Sleep, Jesus, Jesus, sleep, so gently.
SING LULLABY
PHOENIX CHORALE
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Sing lullaby While snow doth gently fall Sing lullaby to Jesus Born in an oxenstall Sing lullaby Sing lullaby to Jesus Born now in Bethlehem The naked blackthorn’s growing To weave his diadem Sing lullaby to Jesus Sing lullaby to Jesus While thickly snow doth fall Sing lullaby to Jesus The saviour of all Sing lullaby
a chorale CHRISTMAS
O VIRGO VIRGINUM
WORLD PREMIERE
LATIN TEXT: O virgo virginum quomodo fiet istud? Quia nec primam similem visa es nec habere sequentem. Filiae Ierusalem, quid me admiramini? Divinum est mysterium hoc quod cernitis. ENGLISH TRANSLATION: O Virgin of Virgins How shall this take place? Neither before thee was there any like Thee, nor after. Maidens of Jerusalem why do you wonder in me? It is a divine mystery, this which you behold.
SING ALONG: GOD REST YE MERRY, GENTLEMEN God rest you merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay! for Jesus Christ our saviour was born on Christmas Day, to save us all from Satan’s power when we had gone astray: O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy; O tidings of comfort and joy!
And when to Bethlehem they came where Christ the infant lay; they found him in a manger where oxen fed on hay, and there beside her newborn child his mother knelt to pray: O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy; O tidings of comfort and joy!
From God our heavenly Father a holy angel came; the shepherds saw the glory and heard the voice proclaim that Christ was born in Bethlehem and Jesus is his name: O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy; O tidings of comfort and joy!
Now to the Lord sing praises, all people in this place! with Christian love and fellowship each other now embrace, and let this Christmas festival all bitterness displace: O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy; O tidings of comfort and joy!
2021|22 SEASON
PHOENIX CHORALE
First published in England in 1833, GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN appeared in ‘Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern’ -- a collection of seasonal carols gathered by William B. Sandys. Ancient and Modern also marked the first publication of "The First Nowell," "I Saw Three Ships" and other great carols.
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a chorale CHRISTMAS - lyrics and translations SUSSEX CAROL
GABRIEL’S MESSAGE
On Christmas night all Christians sing To hear the news the angels bring. News of great joy, news of great mirth, News of our merciful King’s birth.
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!
Then why should men on earth be so sad, Since our Redeemer made us glad, When from our sin he set us free, All for to gain our liberty?
“For know a blessed mother thou shalt be, All generations laud and honor thee, Thy Son shall be Emanuel, by seers foretold Most highly favored lady,” Gloria!
When sin departs before His grace, Then life and health come in its place. Angels and men with joy may sing All for to see the new-born King.
Then gentle Mary meekly bowed 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!
All out of darkness we have light, Which made the angels sing this night: “Glory to God and peace to men, Now and for evermore, Amen!”
Of her, Emanuel, the Christ was born In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say: “Most highly favored lady,” Gloria!
‘SUSSEX CAROL’ IS OVER 300 YEARS OLD: While the words were first published in 1684, it was not until 1919 that composers Cecil Sharp and Ralph Vaughan Williams first wrote down, independently, the lilting melody. The latter heard the carol sung by Harriet Verall of Monk’s Gate in Sussex – hence the title. -- BBC Music Magazine
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THE SHEPHERDS’ FAREWELL
PHOENIX CHORALE
Thou must leave thy lowly dwelling, the humble crib, the stable bare. Babe, all mortal babes excelling, content our earthly lot to share. Loving father, Loving mother, shelter thee with tender care! Blest are ye beyond all measure, thou happy father, mother mild! Guard ye well your heav’nly treasure, the Prince of Peace, The Holy Child! God go with you, God protect you, guide you safely through the wild!
a chorale CHRISTMAS
THE SHEPHERD’S CAROL We stood on the hills, Lady, Our day’s work done, Watching the frosted meadows That winter had won. The evening was calm, Lady, The air so still, Silence more lovely than music Folded the hill. There was a star, Lady, Shone in the night, Larger than Venus it was And bright, so bright. Oh, a voice from the sky, Lady, It seemed to us then Telling of God being born In the world of men. And so we have come, Lady, Our day’s work done, Our love, our hopes, ourselves, We give to your son.
SING ALONG: O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant! O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem Come and behold Him Born the King of Angels O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him Christ the Lord! God of God, Light of Light Lo, He abhors not the Virgin’s womb Very God Begotten, not created O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him Christ the Lord! Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God All glory in the highest O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him Christ the Lord! Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born that happy morning Jesus, to Thee be glory given Word of the Father Now in flesh appearing O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him Christ the Lord!
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As “ADESTE FIDELES,” Bing Crosby released the only version of this song to chart in the US, reaching #45 in 1960.
2021|22 SEASON
PHOENIX CHORALE
“O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL” is reputed to be the favorite Christmas carol of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and in its original form of “Adeste Fideles,” President Thomas Jefferson.
a chorale CHRISTMAS - lyrics and translations STILL STILL STILL
IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER
Still, still, still, weil’s Kindlein schlafen will! Maria tut es nieder singen, ihre keusche Brust darbringen, Still, still, still, weil’s Kindlein schlafen will!
In the bleak mid-winter 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 mid-winter Long ago.
Hush, hush, hush, for the little child wants wants to sleep! Maria sings to him, offers him her chaste breast. Hush, hush, hush, for the little child wants to sleep. Schlaf, schlaf, schlaf, mein liebes Kind schlaf! Die Engel tun schon musizieren, bei dem Kindlein jubilieren. Schlaf, schlaf, schlaf, mein liebes Kind schlaf! Sleep, sleep, sleep, my dear child sleep! The angels are making beautiful music, celebrating the little child Sleep, sleep, sleep, my dear child sleep.
PHOENIX CHORALE
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IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER is based on a poem entitled ‘A Christmas Carol’ by English poet Christina Rossetti. The poem was first published in January 1872. In 1906 the words were set to a melody composed by Gustav Holst, and in 1909 it was set to music by Edwin Darke creating a century-long debate: who did it better?
a chorale CHRISTMAS
Our God, heaven cannot hold Him Nor earth sustain, Heaven and earth shall flee away When He comes to reign: In the bleak mid-winter A stable-place sufficed The Lord God Almighty — Jesus Christ. Enough for Him, whom Cherubim Worship night and day, A breastful of milk And a mangerful of hay; Enough for Him, whom Angels Fall down before, The ox and ass and camel Which adore. Angels and Archangels May have gathered there, Cherubim and seraphim Thronged the air; But only His Mother 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.
THE ORIGINAL HAD NO WORDS The original is an orchestral version with no words and was composed in 1948. The lyrics were written by Mitchell Parish in 1950 and were first recorded by The Andrews Sisters that year. MOST POPULAR The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, has named Sleigh Ride the most popular piece of Christmas music in the US for several years including 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2015. It beat out other songs like “The Christmas Song”, “Winter Wonderland”, and “Let It Snow!”
Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring ting tingling too Come on it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling, ‘Yoo hoo!’ Come on it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap, let’s go Let’s look at the show, we’re riding in a wonderland of snow Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap, it’s grand just holding your hand We’re gliding along with a song of a wintery fairyland Our cheeks are nice and rosy and comfy cozy are we We’ve snuggled close together like two birds of a feather would be Let’s take that road before us and sing a chorus or two Come on it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you There’s a birthday party at the home of farmer Gray It’ll be the perfect ending of a perfect day We’ll be singing the songs we love to sing without a single stop At the fireplace we will watch the chestnuts pop, pop, pop, pop There’s a happy feeling nothing in this world can buy When they pass around the coffee and the pumpkin pie It’ll nearly be like a picture print by Currier and Ives These wonderful things are the things we remember all through our lives These wonderful things are the things we remember all through our lives Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring ting tingling, too Come on it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling, “Yoo hoo!” Come on, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap, let’s go Let’s look at the show, we’re riding in a wonderland of snow Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap, it’s grand just holding your hand We’re gliding along with a song of a wintery fairyland Nice and rosy and comfy cozy are we We’ve snuggled close together like two birds of a feather would be Let’s take that road before us and sing a chorus or two Come on it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you It’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you Lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you
2021|22 SEASON
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PHOENIX CHORALE
PICTURE PERFECT Obscure to most people today, the line “Like a picture print by Currier and Ives” refers to a printmaking company that produced handcolored lithographs of popular artwork of the 19th century. The company closed in 1907, 43 years before the song lyrics were written.
SLEIGH RIDE
WORLD PREMIERE
TRINITY TRIPTYCH - BY CECILIA McDOWALL
T
rinity Triptych has been commissioned by Phoenix Chorale and Artistic Director Christopher Gabbitas in honor of the centenary of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Phoenix, Arizona. This is the first in a five-part series of new works by female composers of the 21st century. Trinity Triptych receives its first performance on 16 December 2021, Arizona, US.
PHOENIX CHORALE
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FROM THE COMPOSER These three ‘O’ texts, offer, I hope, different aspects of Advent and Christmas. The Catholic chant, O Magnum Mysterium, is characteristically sung on Christmas Day, depicting mystery and wonder at the birth of Jesus, witnessed by the animals. The second half of the text relates to words spoken by Elizabeth, welcoming Mary into her home. Deep, sonorous chords open and close the movement, the tempo is described as ‘sustained, in wonder’. O Nata Lux is taken from a 10th century anonymous hymn; the text seems even more appropriate during Advent with light symbolizing hope, looking forward to the wonder of Christmas. Throughout this movement the sopranos intertwine their high, melodic lines above interjections a chorale CHRISTMAS
from the lower voices. I hope there might be a suggestion of ethereal luminosity. The last of the trilogy, O Virgo Virginum, is often described as the eighth ‘O’ Antiphon. The traditional seven ‘O’ Antiphons take place liturgically in the seven days before Christmas Eve. The Antiphon, O Oriens, marks the winter solstice when light begins to return to the day. O Virgo Virginum was a later addition, used in churches in the Middle Ages, and is associated with Christmas Eve. This Antiphon praises Mary, ‘O virgin of (amongst) virgins.’ The character of this closing movement is vigorous and joyful with intimations of medieval plainchant. - CECILIA MCDOWALL
a brief history of phoenix’s
TRINITY EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL In 1885, just three years after Missionary Bishop of Arizona and New Mexico, George Dunlap, brought the Episcopal Church to Phoenix, the community congregation of Trinity parish began. The Rev. Thomas W. Haskins invited local Episcopalians to start the mission church. The congregation purchased acreage across the street from the courthouse and built a brick church with a small bell tower. The new structure’s first service was held on the Feast of the Epiphany in 1889. The Trinity parish congregation began construction on the current building in 1915. Construction was completed in 1920 and the first service was held Christmas Day that year. In 1988, Trinity Parish was made the Cathedral of the Diocese of Arizona. It is one of only a
handful of open and active diocesan cathedrals in the nation. Other notable cathedrals include the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, and Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. After more than a century, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral continues to be a vital center for community enrichment. As it lives into its second century of service, Trinity Cathedral continues to expand its role as a presence in the community for service and outreach, including support for the arts. It is also a sacred place in which the devotion and love of God find their expression in the timelessness of Anglican liturgical worship. From lectures, services, music, seasonal celebrations, and history, visit trinitycathedral. com for a full list of Centennial Celebration activities and events.
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PHOENIX CHORALE 2021|22 SEASON
about the CHORALE
T
he Grammy® Award-winning Phoenix Chorale, led by Artistic Director Christopher Gabbitas since 2019, is regarded as one of the finest choral ensembles in North America of the western
classical tradition. All of the 28-voice ensemble’s members are professional singers who currently reside in the Arizona. Founded in 1958 as the Bach & Madrigal Society of Phoenix and subsequently known as the Phoenix Bach Choir, the Phoenix Chorale became a fully professional choir in 1992. Previous Phoenix Chorale conductors have included Millicent Wesley, Wallace Hornibrook, Dan
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Durand, Vance George, Anders Öhrwall, Jon Washburn, and Charles Bruffy. Phoenix Chorale’s digital audience continues to grow through radio broadcasts, performance videos, and streaming services like Spotify, where the Chorale maintains a listenership of over 35,000 fans each month. The Chorale’s recordings have spent over 20 weeks on the Billboard Charts and have
PHOENIX CHORALE
earned a total of ten Grammy® nominations and three Grammy® wins. Annually, the Chorale’s video and audio recordings reach over one million listeners around the world. The Chorale is ensemble-in-residence at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Phoenix. a chorale CHRISTMAS
meet our SINGERS
P
hoenix Chorale’s 27 singers are a fascinating collection of your fellow Arizonans. Scan the QR code with your phone’s camera app to learn more
about their impressive accomplishments in music and beyond! >>> Leslie
Cassandra
Christina
SOPRANO
SOPRANO
SOPRANO
ELLINGSON
EWER
HALL
who
is an award-winning singer
is delighted to sing with the
moved to Arizona to study
with a passion for painting
Phoenix Chorale for her first
voice. She has a Bachelor of Music from
a picture with sound, ringing people together
season. She graduated from Northern Arizona
Baylor University and a Master of Music
through harmony, and creating joy through
University with a bachelor’s in Choral Music
from Arizona State University. While at ASU,
music. For her recently released solo album,
Education and is a native of Walla Walla,
Leslie performed the roles of Emmie in Albert
Coming Home, Cassandra pulled from her
Washington. She is the choir director at Millennium
Herring, Alma Hix in The Music Man, and
years of performing with professional vocal
High School and the Co-Founder of The Choral
Adele in Die Fledermaus. Leslie has been
ensembles, including the Phoenix Chorale,
Window--a free and accessible resource for
the soloist in several concerts, including
the Oregon Bach Festival, the Hilliard
choral educators. Christina serves on the ACDA
Rutter’s Gloria, Schubert’s Mass in G, and
Ensemble, Conspirare, and others. She is
Western Region board as the Youth Repertoire &
Mozart’s Vespers. She has been singing in
featured on 12 professional recordings, many
Resources Coordinator. Christina has performed
the Phoenix Symphony Chorus the last five
Grammy-winning
Coming
with world-renowned singers Sarah Brightman
years and is excited to be joining the Chorale
Home is available on Spotify, Amazon, and
and Josh Groban. She currently teaches private
this holidays season.
Apple Music.
voice, piano, and guitar.
is
a
Texas
native
or
nominated.
Lies’l
Katherine
Danya
SOPRANO
SOPRANO
SOPRANO
is an artist, musician, and
graduated
Northern
is Adjunct Professor of Music
educator from Mesa. She
Arizona University in 2019
at both Phoenix and Glendale
Arizona
with a degree in choral music education. She
Community Colleges. For ten years, Danya was
University in Choral Music Education, Lies’l sings
grew up in Arizona and is an alumnus of the
the Artistic Director of the Phoenix Girls Chorus,
with Phoenix Chorale and Canto Vivo Chorale.
Phoenix Children’s Chorus and Horizon High
making her conducting debut at Carnegie Hall in
She serves on the boards of the Phoenix Chorale
School in Scottsdale. She has sung with the
2016 with Vivaldi’s Gloria and 200 singers from
and Arizona Music Educators Association, is the
Sedona Academy of Chamber Singers, the
across the USA. In 2019, she was Acting Assistant
Executive Director of the Sedona Academy of
Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, and Canto Vivo.
Conductor for Phoenix Chorale. She is a founding
Chamber Singers and Assistant Choral Director
Rosenfeld loves sharing her passion for music
member of Helios, in its seventh season and
at Mesa Community College. Lies’l works with
through education. She currently teaches choir
releasing its first recording this fall. She founded
many local arts organizations, including Arizona
and guitar at Rhodes Junior High in Mesa, runs a
her business, Aria Music Studio, which has grown
Commission on the Arts, Mesa Arts Center,
private voice studio in North Phoenix, and serves
to include two vocal ensembles in addition to
Phoenix Children’s Chorus, Arizona Musicfest,
on the Arizona state board of the American
private lessons and coaching.
and more. www.etsy.com/shop/Lies’lMadeThis.
Choral Directors Association.
HILL
earned
her
B.M.
from
TILLER
ROSENFELD
Northern
from
PHOENIX CHORALE
2021|22 SEASON
17
meet our SINGERS Kira
Danielle
Carol
SOPRANO
ALTO
ALTO
is the Artistic Director of Solis
earned a Bachelor of Music
is honored to be in her
(Choir of the Sun). She has
in vocal performance from
twentieth season with the
taught as choral, music education and musical
Brigham Young University. Since moving to
Chorale. She is privileged to have sung as
theatre faculty at Arizona State University, Grand
Arizona in 2013, Danielle has spent four
a soloist and chorister in Australia, South
Canyon University, Arizona Christian University
seasons in the Arizona Opera chorus and four
Korea, and New Zealand, and has also
and Scottsdale Community College. Her choirs
seasons with the Goode Time Carolers. Danielle
enjoyed performing with other professional
have performed at ACDA conferences, in several
has performed in musical theatre productions
ensembles. After earning her Bachelor’s
local concert series, with Andrea Bocelli, and for
throughout the valley—Mesa Encore, Hale
degree in Oklahoma, she moved to the
Game of Thrones tours. Recently, Kira has found
Center, and Fountain Hills theaters. She has
Valley of the Sun to continue her education.
tremendous musical joy in working as a choral
been a volunteer choir director for a local church
When she’s not singing or teaching voice,
composer. Kira was recently named the third prize
group and elementary school choir. Danielle
she’s often found baking, walking, practicing
winner in The American Prize for choral works
enjoys traveling with her husband, eating
yoga, or daydreaming about returning to
and a semi-finalist with the Ernst Bacon Award for
delicious food, and spending time at home with
New Zealand.
American Music.
her three young children.
ZEEMAN RUGEN
PLATT JENNINGS
Julia
Hannah
Holly
ALTO
ALTO
ALTO
holds a Bachelor of Music
graduated
Education from Stephen F.
Arizona University in 2018
Austin State University and a Master of Music
with a degree in Choral Music Education. She
performs with the Phoenix Opera in a variety
in Vocal Performance from Baylor University.
currently teaches Chorus and Music Exploration
of concerts around the Phoenix metro. Holly is
Outside of the chorale, she sings in the chorus of
at Kyrene Middle School, and is the Alto Section
a member of the Arizona Opera Chorus and
Arizona Opera, and has recently performed lead
Leader and Children’s Choir Director at Christ
sings with a variety of choral organizations.
roles in with Seagle Festival, Opera in the Ozarks,
Church Anglican. In her time at NAU, she sang
Holly has spent her career as a 3D and motion
and Tucson’s concert opera company, Passion
in a variety of choral ensembles, including
graphics artist in the videogame and slot
Project: Opera! When she’s not performing, she
the Shrine of the Ages Choir and vocal jazz
machine industries. She currently works as a
loves fostering a love of all musical styles to her
ensembles. She also served as the Music Director
Sr. Environment Artist at Rainbow Studios -THQ
private students in Tucson. Moving into 2022,
of the award-winning all-female a capella group
Nordic creating off-road racing environments.
she is ecstatic to once again be performing and
the Axecidentals. Hannah studied private voice
Holly has continued her vocal education,
bringing people from all walks of life together
with Dr. Ricardo Pereira and Dr. Judith Cloud.
studying with voice instructor Gail Dubinbaum.
POWERS
18
HALE
with song.
KIMBALL from
SHEPPARD Northern
is in her 16th season with Phoenix
Chorale.
She
Holly and her husband George are outdoor enthusiasts living in Mesa with their two birds,
PHOENIX CHORALE
Pico and Olive.
a chorale CHRISTMAS
meet our SINGERS Anjelica
Stephanie
Elijah
ALTO
ALTO
TENOR
is ecstatic to be returning for
is in her fourteenth season
is thrilled to be performing
her fourth season with the
with the Chorale. A native
with
Phoenix Chorale. Anjelica attended Northern
of Ohio, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts
their 21-22 season after sixteen years away.
Arizona University. Anjelica freelances as a
degree in music business and a Master of Arts
A native of Phoenix, Elijah has performed with
soloist, choral performer and church cantor
degree in music education from The Ohio State
many Valley ensembles including the American
around the valley. She sang for 5 years at
University. She moved to Phoenix to attend
Bach Series, Canto Vivo, Canticum Novum,
St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, is a
graduate school at ASU and earned a Doctor
Solis Camera, and the Arizona Bach Festival.
founding member of the Sedona Academy
of Musical Arts degree in music education.
Outside of AZ, Elijah has sung with Christ Church
of Chamber Singers and has been a member
Stephanie currently teaches choir, guitar, and
Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys of Indianapolis,
of Solis Camerata. Outside of music Anjelica
AVID at North Canyon High School in the
Mon Choeur, Indianapolis Pro Musica, and the
works full time as an Accounting Specialist at
Paradise Valley School District and is a member
Intercontinentaal Projectkoor in the Netherlands.
a CPA firm in Chandler and enjoys cooking,
of Helios, a seven-voice early music ensemble.
He has performed on many recordings including
traveling, and fishing with her fiancé.
She loves being around water–-swimming,
the Chorale’s Grammy Award winning album:
snorkeling, water skiing, and wake surfing!
“Passion Week”.
SIMONE
STICKFORD
FRANK
Phoenix
Chorale
for
Gabriel
James
Josiah
TENOR
TENOR
TENOR
is excited to be a member of
is ecstatic to be joining the
is enjoying his 7th season
Phoenix Chorale for a fourth
Phoenix
his
with the Phoenix Chorale.
season. Gabriel graduated from the University
first season. A native of Prescott, Arizona,
After studying vocal education at Mesa
of Arizona with his bachelor’s in Choral Music
he obtained his Bachelor of Music in Vocal
Community
Education, studying voice under Professor
Performance from Oklahoma City University.
University, working full time in an optometry
Charles Roe, and conducting under Dr. Elizabeth
Since moving to Phoenix three years ago, he
management position has kept music as an
Schauer. Gabriel has been the music director at
has served as the tenor section leader at Saint
invaluable refuge. An Arizona native, Josiah
Apollo High School in Glendale teaching and
Maria Goretti Parish in Scottsdale, and has
currently resides in Gilbert with his Beautiful
conducting choir and piano students for 8 years.
performed with other ensembles around the
wife Mindy, 6 yr old daughter Kayla, 3
He has served as the Repertoire and Resources
valley including Canto Vivo, Arizona Musicfest,
year old son Noah, and less than a year-old
Chair for male choirs for the Arizona branch
The King’s Carolers, and the men’s schola at
golden retriever Windsor.
of the American Choral Director’ Association,
the ASU Newman Center. James has served
works as a freelance vocalist and choral
as an Education Outreach Artist for Arizona
conductor around the valley.
Opera, and currently works for a legal process
FRONGILLO
GRANDJEAN
Chorale
HAGSTROM
for
College
and
Arizona
State
19
serving company. PHOENIX CHORALE 2021|22 SEASON
meet our SINGERS Luke
JJ
Sha
TENOR
TENOR
BASS
currently serves as the Pastor
is excited to continue his sixth
is in his thirteenth season with
of Worship and Music at
season with the Chorale. An
the Chorale. Sha received a
Camelback Bible Church in Paradise Valley,
Arizona native, he resides in Peoria with his
degree in music education from The University of
AZ. He is also a professional chorister singing
musical wife, Genny, his favorite accompanist,
Northern Iowa and a Master’s degree in Vocal
with the Grammy-nominated True Concord
and five children: Rylie, Jace, and triplet boys
Performance from The University of Texas at San
Voices and Orchestra. Luke earned his Doctor
Asher, Brooks, and Caden. J.J. graduated from
Antonio. He has performed with San Antonio Lyric
of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees
Grand Canyon University with a B.S. in Music
Opera, Opera Theatre of the Rockies’ Vocal Arts
in Choral Conducting from the University of
Education with Choral Conducting emphasis.
Symposium, Opera Theatre of the Rockies, and
Arizona and the Bachelor of Music Education
He later earned his Master’s in Music Education
Opera Colorado. Sha’s concert performances
from Louisiana Tech University. While living in
from Kent State University. J.J. is in his nineteenth
include Haydn’s The Creation, Handel’s Messiah,
Tucson, Luke was the Assistant Director of True
year of teaching and is the Director of Choral
Brahms’ Requiem, and Mozart’s Solemn Vespers.
Concord Voices & Orchestra, Artistic Director
Activities and Performing Arts Department Chair
He has worked for USAA for 19 years and is
of Tucson Masterworks Chorale, and served as
at Greenway High School in Phoenix.
currently a claim litigation manager.
LUSTED
RAFFERTY
APPENZELLER
Director of Music at various churches.
Caleb
Christopher
Joshua
BASS
BASS
BASS
serves as choral and worship
has
singing
is in his seventeenth season
director at Northwest Valley
professionally and teaching
with the Chorale. He holds
Baptist Church and its Arrowhead Christian
in the Phoenix area since moving to Arizona in
a DMA and MM in Piano Performance, from
Academy. Caleb has also appeared across
2012. He is currently enjoying his current career
Arizona State University and a BM in Piano
the Valley and beyond as vocal coach, choral
instructing young minds at North Phoenix Prep
Performance from the University of Kansas. Joshua
clinician, and music seminar presenter. Two of
Academy in the areas of music theory, music
was named “Most Outstanding Arizona Pianist”
his sacred choral anthems are published with
history, and chorale singing! He has been seen
at the 4th USASU Bösendorfer International
Beckenhorst Press. Caleb holds a master’s degree
performing locally with Arizona Opera, Phoenix
Piano Competition. As either a singer or pianist,
in Church Music with emphases in voice, choral
Opera, and the Phoenix Symphony.
he has collaborated with: Grammy-nominated
FRENCH
been
HILLMANN
conducting, and composition from Bob Jones
Seraphic Fire, Grammy-nominated True Concord:
University, where he sang for five years in Dr.
Voices and Orchestra, Anúna, Spire Chamber
Warren Cook’s University Chorale and in BJU’s
Ensemble, and Grammy-winning Kansas City
prize-winning opera productions. Caleb and his
Chorale. He’s been a featured soloist with The
wife Heidi have two young daughters, Charlotte
Phoenix Symphony, Arizona Bach Festival,
and Anna.
and Anúna. Joshua teaches piano privately at Hillmann Piano Studio, LLC in North Phoenix.
PHOENIX CHORALE
20
HERRERA
a chorale CHRISTMAS
meet our SINGERS Toby
Jason
David
BASS
BASS
BASS
received his BM and MM
grew up singing and learning
has sung with the Chorale for
degrees in Vocal Performance
music in the Phoenix Boys
over 27 seasons. He earned
from Northern Arizona University under Dr.
Choir and has gone on to perform as a soloist
degrees in choral music from California State
Judith Cloud. Toby has been regularly sought
with the Flagstaff Master Chorale and Early
Fullerton and Arizona State University. He has
after as a performer throughout the Southwest.
Music Michigan. More recently, he spent 4
soloed with the Chorale, Arizona Bach Festival,
Toby has been involved with Arizona Opera,
seasons performing with Helios: A Modern
Phoenix Symphony, MusicaNova Orchestra,
ArtSong Rising, and is a founding artist of Helios:
Renaissance. He would go on to work as a
Sommerakademie
a modern renaissance. Recent recordings include
judge and clinician for various choral events.
Germany), Pacific Symphony Orchestra, and
the 2015 Grammy award winning Rachmaninoff:
Currently, Jason is director of a large mixed high
numerous choral ensembles. David participated
All-Night Vigil (soloist), Nils Lofgren’s 2019
school choir at Arizona School for the Arts. He
in all four of the Grammy-winning albums of the
album Blue with Lou (backup vocalist), and
earned a B.M. in Music Education from Western
Phoenix and Kansas City Chorales. His wife,
Helios’ 2021 debut album à7. Toby remains
Michigan University and an M.M. in Choral
Jody is Pastor of Song of Life UMC in Queen
active in arts leadership and higher education.
Conducting from Northern Arizona University.
Creek and they have two adult children, Ryan
KIDD
RAETZ
TOPPING
J.S.
Bach
(Stuttgart,
and Erika.
21
PHOENIX CHORALE 2021|22 SEASON
meet our CONDUCTORS CHRISTOPHER GABBITAS
CONDUCTOR & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Christopher Gabbitas was appointed Artistic Director of Phoenix Chorale in May 2019. Christopher’s mission is to spread the joy of choral music to anyone who will listen, across the world, through the voices of Phoenix Chorale. Christopher’s choral career spans from his life in the UK as an 8-year cathedral chorister in Rochester, to a choral scholar at St John’s College, Cambridge and Lay Clerk at Christchurch, Oxford, through to professional work with leading choral ensembles including Polyphony, The English Concert, The King’s Consort, and European Voices, and an incredible tenure between 2004-2019 as baritone and Managing Partner with The King’s Singers recognized as singer and producer with two Grammy Awards.
PHOENIX CHORALE
22
He’s performed over 2000 concerts in over 40 countries on six continents, appeared on more than 30 albums, jointly commissioned 25 new compositions from the world’s finest composers, and has served as a clinician in over 500 masterclasses — including at many top US colleges. Outside of music, Christopher has maintained a career in the law throughout, currently a chorale CHRISTMAS
holding a part-time position as a Consultant Solicitor for the innovative London-based legal practice, Keystone Law, representing clients in creative commercial sectors. At home, he lives with his wife Stephanie and their three wonderful daughters Bella, Lyra and Ariana, each of whom loves to sing!
TOM PETERSON
ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR & OUTREACH COORDINATOR Assistant Conductor Tom Peterson is the music director at Christ Church of the Ascension in Paradise Valley, and ser ved for two years as Artistic Director of the Master Chorale of Flagstaff, where he initiated their Big Sing Flagstaff and Festival of Women Composers. Tom is also a composer, and won the 2019 Stephen Paulus Emerging Composers Competition for his work, Being Many, Seeming One, which was subsequently published by E. C. Schirmer on the Dale Warland Choral Series. Tom is a graduate of Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, and the Royal College of Music in London.
Not a fan of QR Codes? Use this address to go directly to the site on your phone, tablet or pc!
bit.ly/3AgEOed
GIVE KUDOS TO THE SINGERS! Did you enjoy today’s concert? Send the artists of Phoenix Chorale your well-wishes by scanning this QR code with your phone’s camera phone app and leave a message, selfie or video about today’s concert!
23 It just isn’t Christmas without the Phoenix Chorale! We’re so happy to you live again! - Ralph W.
CLICK ON “ADD TO
LEAVE YOUR OWN
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USING YOUR PHONE’S
BOARD” TO LEAVE
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WITH OUR INCREDIBLE
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YOUR WELL -WISHES
MESSAGE, PICTURE
SINGERS!
OUR KUDOBOARD!
OR VIDEO 2021|22 SEASON
PHOENIX CHORALE
SCAN THE QR CODE
CHORALE staff & board ARTISTIC STAFF
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Christopher Gabbitas Artistic Director
Lynne Traverse, Chair
Tom Peterson Assistant Conductor & Outreach Coordinator
Mary Farrington-Lorch, Secretar y
Jay Good / J. Good Productions Production Manager
Gregg Ewart, Vice Chair Gerry Sowers, Treasurer Lies’l Hill, Singer Representative Jason Raetz, Singer Representative Alison Cheney
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Nicole Belmont Executive Director Aaron Villalobos Patron Ser vices and Communications Manager Laura Schairer Publicity Contractor (Audience Magnets) Judd Rinsema Volunteer Coordinator Christine Henry Volunteer Assistant
Richard Gerig Kathy Leffler
ADVISORY BOARD Elayne Achilles Blanton Alspaugh Becky Bell Ballard Kimber Lanning Dorothy Lincoln-Smith Matthew Tresler Tesfa Wondemagegnehu
special thanks to our
SEASON SPONSORS
CONNECT WITH US/phoenixchorale
listen on
SPOTIFY SPECIAL EVENT: UNCLOUDED day
PHOCHO
HOLIDAY CHILL
SOUNDS OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON A wise man once said, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
GABRIEL Have Yourself a Merr y Little Christmas, The Kings Singers DANYA Ceremony of Carols, Benjamin Britten, In the Bleak Midwinter, Julie JOSIAH
Andrews
O
Manugm
Mysterium,
Kevin Memley TOBY & HOLLY Siben Magnificat Antiphonen, Ar vo Pärt CHRISTINA Biebl: Ave Maria,
Chanticleer
JJ
Gjeilo:
In
the
Bleak
Midwinter, Voces8 CASSANDRA Angels We Have Heard On High, The Singers JASON O Manugm Mysterium, Morten Lauridsen JULIA Away in a Manger, Voces8
ELIJAH
Motet:
We couldn’t agree more! The staff and singers of Phoenix Chorale have put together a collection of our favorite Christmas songs to brighten your season: a list for “holiday chill” and another for “holiday fun”!
Balaam de quo vaticinans, Anonymous4 JAMES
Find PHOENIX CHORALE on Spotify to start listening today!
Choir
SING!
at Glendale Community College
There is no Rose of Such Virtue, Master Chorale of Washington DAVID Paulus: The Ship Carol, Dale Warland Singers TOM Handel: For Unto Us A Child is Born, The Monteverdi Choir CHRIS G. Nesciens Mater, The Gentlemen of St. John’s
PHOCHO
HOLIDAY FUN CHRIS
H.
GABRIEL
White
Christmas,
Bing
Crosby
A Charlie Brown Christmas, Vince
Guaraldi Trio DANYA Man With The Bag, Jessie J JOSIAH One More Sleep ‘til Christmas, The Muppets TOBY The Christmas Song, Nat King Cole CHRISTINA It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas, Michael Bublé JJ Let it Snow, Harr y Connick Jr. HANNAH Christmas is Coming, John
Community Chorus Concert Choir
Chamber Singers Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Auditions: January 18th-21st, 2022 For more information, contact Dr. Nina Garguilo: nina.garguilo@gccaz.edu
Denver & The Muppets, And Suddenly, Millikin University Choirs CASSANDRA Carol of the Bells/God Rest Yer Merr y Gentlemen, The Piano
25
Guys LIES’L Ir ving Berlin’s White Christmas, Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Peggy Lee, All I Want For Christmas is You, Mariah Carey JASON Hark the Hearld Trumpets Sing, Manheim Steamroller Mele Kalikimaka, The Andrews Sisters DAVID Silent Night, Take 6 TOM Sleigh Ride, FUN CHRIS G. Fair ytale of New York, The Pogues 2021|22 SEASON
PHOENIX CHORALE
JULIA & Elijah Last Christmas, WHAM! JAMES
chorale news DECEMBER 2021
W
hen they’re not making music with Phoenix Chorale, our talented singers share their craft with the community through various projects, educate the next generation of musicians all while managing to lead interesting personal lives.
CHRISTOPHER HERERRA is excited to be singing with the Scottsdale Philharmonic Orchestra for the first time in their annual holiday concert Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, 4 p.m. at the Scottsdale Center For The Performing Arts.
on their Hotel California tour! //
In regard to her per formance of Ave Maria, Arizona Republic describes her soprano voice as “goosebump-inducing”. Coming Home is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music, and more. //
scottsdalephilharmonic.com
PHOENIX CHORALE
26
LIES’L HILL most recently sang backup for the Eagles a chorale CHRISTMAS
contemporar y, jazz, even Gregorian chant.”
CASSANDRA EWER announces the release of her solo album, Coming Home, Cassandra Ewer says, “Coming Home features an eclectic mix of music including classical,
As a member of Helios, TOBY VAUGHN KIDD is part of their new vocal album titled à7. “The project represents so much hard work and contains so many beautiful sounds!” says Toby. “I’m truly proud of our work.” heliosphx.org/albums JULIA POWERS and her husband just had a baby!! “We are so thrilled to welcome our son, James, to the world.” said Julia. //
In addition to singing in the opera chorus HOLLY SHEPPARD will be covering the role of Mercedes for Arizona Opera’s production of Carmen in Januar y and Februar y 2022. arizonaopera.org
DANYA TILLER founded Aria Music Studio offering coaching for auditions and conducting techniques. The studio also includes Valley Vocal Ensembles, LUKE LUSTED and his small groups coached to wife welcomed their first perform in various styles. child into the world on May They perform primarily a 25th. “We are loving being capella repertoire, without parents to our sweet son.” a conductor, and students said Luke. // KIRA ZEEMAN RUGEN actively help choose music TOM PETERSON’S choral has six commission premieres and lead various aspects of work “Being Many, Seeming occurring this season: The rehearsal and performance. One” was just published by Choral Project, Northwestern danyatiller.com E. C. Schirmer on the Dale Oklahoma University State University Singers, Pinnacle Warland Choral Series. // Presbyterian Church, The Phoenix Chorale, Carolyn Eynon Singers/Phoenix Boys Choir, and in a film for painter 27 Randall Vemer. 2022 Additionally, Kira’s music will be performed at the OKMEA and IMEA conferences in Jan 2022.
SATURDAY MARCH 12, 2022 MESA COMMUNITY COLLEGE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
2021|22 SEASON
PHOENIX CHORALE
The above painting is of Kira ‘composing’ by Randal Vemer. //
VALLEY SING
THANK YOU to our contributors
P
hoenix Chorale gratefully acknowledges the generosity of individuals, foundations, government agencies, and businesses who have supported the Chorale’s annual fund. The following listings include contributors’ total giving of $100 or more received between December 1, 2020 and November 30, 2021. GOLD BATON
($20,000 - $49,999) Anonymous City of Phoenix Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
SILVER BATON
($10,000-$19,999) John and Lois Rogers Arizona Commission on the Arts Anonymous Jeffrey Heimer & Linda Brock Lynne Traverse +
CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE ($5,000-$9,999) Tim Kellar Claudia Kennedy Kathy and Albert Leffler + David Martens Marlene Rausch & Tom Phinney Nancy & Gerry Sowers +
SINGER’S CIRCLE
28
($2,500 - $4,999) Anonymous Mary K. Farrington-Lorch + Cordova & Jones PC Stephen Cobb & Laura Ladrigan Cobb Hon. Crane and Deborah McClennen Constance McMillin Tom & Alyssa Reimers Peter Rutenberg
PHOENIX CHORALE
SPONSOR
($1,000 - $2,499) Mike & Cindy Adams Lowell Adkins Jerry & Lynn Adwell Vince Anderson Sha Appenzeller * and Thomas Strupp Douglas Ball and Connie Stine David D. Dodge Tim and Susie Ernst Sharon Fairchild Norm Friesen Anne Gale a chorale CHRISTMAS
Richard & Marcia Gerig + Martha Haley J. D. Helms Kevin Kriegel and Nathan Lepp Karen Mahoney Rebecca McClain Kathryn Murphy Diana Nelson Charles “Carlos” Oldham & Joan Goforth Eric Pittman James Powell Frank D. Skinner Donald Swierenga Millie Wesley Dr Judith Wolf
SUSTAINER
($500 - $999) Robert & Susan Ashton Robert Bartels James Carlson Norma Cirincione Gregg Ewart and Justin Horlyk + Karen L. Ford Mark & Lois Francis Charline Franz Philip M Haggerty/Edith Goble Dennis Haugan Dahrel Hobbs Cindy Hoff Harriet Ivey Marilyn Kredel Rachel Lawrence Dorothy Lincoln-Smith John T McDonough Barbara Metz Donna Nelson Eric Nichols Roger L. Riggert Thomas & Sarah Ruhlen Sherri Shea George and Holly Sheppard In memory of John S. Mueller Anne Varner Barbara Zippel and Tom Pickrell
PATRON
($250 - $499) Rebecca Albrecht and Norris Livoni Anton Armstrong
Jeanann and Robert Bartels Margery A. Bayless Bill Benjes David and Jean Bradford Jeanne Chisholm Marc & Julie Clausen Mrs. Judy B Danilovs Anonymous Cassandra Ewer * Jane and Dennis Fennessey Jacqueline Forbes Jay Good* & Rita Litchfield-Good Don Steinman & Ruth Greenspan Rick & Susan Gustafson Jack & Mary Harthun David Haskins Sally Hineman Kathleen Hirsekorn Jacquelyn and Richard Island Randy and Denise Juillard Julie Karcis Nola Mellstrom Richard Messenger Dieter & Margaret Michel Judy Mieger Janice Myers Marti McLelland and David O’Connor Joanie Peterson Ramona Rusinak Robert Snead Evelyn Sowll Don Steinman & Ruth Greenspan Alan Stevens George and Rosann Stickford John and Carol Teays Randi Turk Eric & Deedee Ursin Douglas and Regina Vander Ploeg Don and Diane Thomas Joan Rihab Yaqub J Thomas York
BENEFACTOR
($100 - $249) Elayne Achilles & Karen Biel Mike Albrecht Alseike, Daryl & Marga Mike Anderson John Anderson Jimmie Andrews Steve Appenzeller Joan Astuno Joel Auernheimer Charles and Mary Barry
Kaaren Manny Lisa Martin and Bucky Bethancourt George Martinez Nancy Maxwell Carolyn McClendon William McManus Loyd Means Corey Meier Mary Meyer Jacquie Mitchell Jeanne Miyasaka and Joseph Ryan John & Lois Mueller Ka Newbury Dr. Donald E. Newsom Pat Newsum James Orth Mary Pendleton-Hoffer Mary Pierce Wendy Pitha Melvin Platt Mary Anne Poggenburg Kimberly Powell Sandra & Bob Rankin Douglas Ray J.A.C. & LeAnn Redford Donald & Dolores Rehms Esther Rings Judd and Linda Rinsema Galvin and Lisa Rittenhouse Mick Rogers Dr. Margaret Ruccolo Tom & Paula Rugen Robyn Runbeck Ron Rusinak Patti Saathof Cleta & Dan Sagramoso Frederick Samuelson Sharon Sass Maureen Schmid Judy Schneider Dian Sellheim Mark Simmons Wendy Smith Nancy Sriver Sharon Stickford Paula Strano Isobe David Topping * Irene Tseng Nancy Twigger Jean Updike Robert Upton Stephen and Barbara Veitch Aaron Villalobos* Ruby Vineyard Jill Walker Sandra Wardwell Paul & Julie Warren Susan Willer Patricia Yaghmourian Janice Young *Indicates current Chorale singer or staff member + Indicates current Chorale board member
THE LEGACY SOCIETY
is made up of distinguished individuals who have chosen to make a commitment to Phoenix Chorale through a planned gift in their estate. TO BECOME A MEMBER of the Legacy Society and make a planned gift or to request Legacy Society materials, please contact Executive Director Nicole Belmont at 602-2532224.
LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBERS Anonymous (2) Elayne Achilles Alison Chaney+ Norman Friesen Jay* & Rita Good April & Tom Jones Alan & Claudia Kennedy Dorothy Lincoln-Smith Jen Rogers Thomas L. Phinney Lynne Traverse+
LEGACY MEMBERS IN MEMORIAM Dosia Carlson John S. Mueller
As you consider making your end-of-year gifts, visit
29
our DONATE page at phoenixchorale.org to learn about the many ways you can support our mission to build better communities through song.
thank you. 2021|22 SEASON
PHOENIX CHORALE
Mary Bayless David and Ann Beaucage Nicole Belmont * David and Mary Best Phyllis Borysko Susan Bowers Beverly Brandt Carol Brisbin Jo Brookshier Susan Burger Nancy and Mark Burton Joan Cannon Julie Anne Castilla Alison Chaney + Joan Collins Lynwood Cook Edith A. Copley Margot Cordova Martha Cozzi Paul Curtis John Danilovs Therese Michelle Day Jon Dhuse Sally Doney Nancy Dueker Lyndall Eddy & Phillip Wagoner Alice Edwards Susan A. Ehrlich & James C. Hair, Jr. Raúl and Mairin Espericueta In Loving Memory of Rachel Ewer JoAnn Farrington Wendy Fentiman Gihan Fernando Jo Finks Susan Fischer Gail B. Fisher Nancy Foster Karen Gajer Jim & Rhenda Gallup Melba Garrett Judy Gernand David Getts Nancy Gilkeson-Root Clifford Golden David A. & Anita Hagstrom Von Hallauer Matthew Harris Kellie & James Hart Jim & Kathryn Heffernan Mike Hills Charley and Kathryn Hudson Dave Hulin Anonymous Jim Jensen Jennifer Johnson Barkley Tom and April Jones Cynthia Jones Tom & April Jones Law Office of Mary K. Farrington-Lorch + David Kelly Bruce Kilbride Catherine Kim Jane King Jane King Darleen Kliewer-Britton Carol Korenstra Lynn Krabbe and Bruce Killbride Marguerite Lankford Craig Laser Gabrielle Lawrence Ken Leombruno Beth Livingston-Hakes Terry Loschen Ami Lotka In Memory of John Mueller
these are a few of our FAVORITE THINGS
W
dazzlingly decorated and candlelit for the whole evening.”// JULIA POWERS “It’s not the holidays until my family gets out our CDs of Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra Christmas
e asked members of Phoenix Chorale to share some of their
most-cherished musical memories from holidays past and present. Here is what they had to share:
classics as we decorate the house and bake as many sugar treats as we can muster!”// LIES’L HILL “One of my favorite family holiday memories is sitting around the Christmas tree, listening to our traditional German Christmas records while we light candles (very carefully) on the tree in traditional German/Austrian
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CASSANDRA
EWER
DAVID TOPPING “While wandering through
tradition.”//
a shopping mall in California, I heard “Stille
tradition is our annual Christmas Eve family
Nacht” from a distance, and upon approaching
concert…everything from a musical Nativity
the source, discovered it was being sung live by
play (with parts for all children ages 3-30),
one of the Von Trapp Family Singers!”// LUKE
to vocal solos, duets, quartets, and hand
LUSTED “My grandparents loved Handel’s
chimes that everyone plays. I love this! But
Messiah so one Christmas, we “performed”
for me, it only starts to feel like Christmas
various solo and choral movements with
when the Phoenix Chorale has sung at Brophy
my mom playing accordion and my sister
Chapel.”// HANNAH OLIVIA KIMBALL “I
and I trying to sing all the parts. It was as
grew up in a family of singers, and each year,
painful as it was hilarious!”// KATHERINE
we set out together to find the perfect real
ROSENFELD“Growing up, I looked forward
Christmas tree. To pass the time in the car,
to breaking out the Christmas CDs right after
we’ll sing carols. Although we may not always
Thanksgiving every year, especially recordings
agree on which tree to get, or if we indeed
of the choir my dad sang with, the Quire
need to drive to a FIFTH Christmas tree lot to
of Voyces. One of their Christmas albums
find “the one” (I’m looking at you, Mom), I’ll
features a beautiful rendition of Lauridsen’s
always cherish the memory of sitting in the car,
O Magnum Mysterium. It was the first choral
singing “Rudolph” and “O Christmas Tree” in
recording I ever fell in love with and I still listen
harmony with my family.”// J.J. RAFFERT Y
to it every December!”// CALEB FRENCH “In
“At Christmas time, I will often take my
grad school, our chamber choral group sang
students to perform at the AZ State Capitol
carols all evening at the Biltmore Estate in
and perform for the staff on the top floor of
North Carolina. The Victorian-era home was
the rotunda. My favorite thing is to watch their
a chorale CHRISTMAS
“Our
faces as they cut off and listen to themselves
is caroling in college with my music major
echo throughout the building.
Their faces
friends. We were hired to sing at at fancy
are priceless.”// CHRISTINA HALL “In high
parties and University receptions. The work
school, our choirs took an annual overnight
we put in and the trust we developed in each
trip to The Grotto, a Catholic shrine, outside
other through that process is something I’ll
of Portland, Oregon.
always remember.
The acoustics were
The reward was making
nothing like we had heard before. I sang “O
beautiful music together and being able to
Holy Night” with my dad accompanying me
present it to people who really loved and
on guitar. It was an experience I will never
appreciated the level of skill and expression
forget.”// KIRA ZEEMAN RUGEN “This
that we instilled in our performances.”//
year, my favorite holiday musical memories
GABRIEL FRONGILLO“My favorite holiday
are tied to the nostalgia of hearing my children
musical memory is playing piano and singing
sing their favorite songs. They are now both
carols with my family at our annual Christmas
in high school and are nearing new chapters
Eve
in their lives. But their tiny child voices still
“Favorite memory would have to be signing
echo in my heart and in my soul. It makes
The Christmas Song at my first choir concert in
these holiday celebrations poignantly bitter-
junior high. It’s my mom’s favorite song and
sweet.”// STEPHANIE
“My
it was a special surprise for her that night.”//
family enjoys going to church together on
TOM PETERSON “Singing “Silent Night”
Christmas Eve. I like singing ALL the hymns
by candlelight on Christmas Eve is always a
and carols, but the first one is always the best
highlight for me. Every year, it brings me right
-- I am gathered with the people I love most in
back to singing it as a very young boy with my
this world, and we are SINGING together! I,
Grandma.“//
of course, get all teary-eyed and emotional,
Singing at the Royal Albert Hall in London each
but by the second verse, I’ve found my voice
December, as part of a Christmas celebration
again. I look forward to this magical moment
concert, when I was a boy chorister. We
EVERY year!”// TOBY
STICKFORD
VAUGHN
KIDD
“When I was in college my grandma flew
party.”//
CHRISTOPHER
CHRISTOPHER
HERRERA
GABBITAS
would drive around the city seeing the lights 31 afterwards - it was magical!”//
to Arizona to see me perform at a Holiday Dinner concert held at my university.
It PHOENIX CHORALE
was such a great experience to be able to perform for my grandma and see her joy in my pursuit of music as a career.”// DANYA TILLER “My favorite holiday musical memory 2021|22 SEASON
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a chorale CHRISTMAS