Phoenix Chorale - A Chorale Cristmas Program 2021

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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

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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:

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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!

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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

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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!

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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.

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“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.

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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?

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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

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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

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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.

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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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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

SHARE YOUR LOVE

USING YOUR PHONE’S

BOARD” TO LEAVE

PERSONALIZED

WITH OUR INCREDIBLE

CAMERA APP TO GO TO

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

& P

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a chorale CHRISTMAS