Program Notes: From Hanukkah to New Year’s in song…
Scott Youngs, AMC Music Director

Since our first concert falls on day three of Hanukkah, we open with “Light the Legend” which describes this celebration of light.  From there, we dive into Christmas with the favorites: “The First Noel” and “Gesu Bambino”, followed by one of the best-known choral works of the 20^th Century:  Morton Lauridsen’s “O Magnum Mysterium”.  Gift-wrapped with some audience carols comes the centerpiece of our concert, the lush choral work by Gerald Finzi, “In Terra Pax” with its gorgeous bass and soprano solos and warm choral writing.  We continue, without any intermission, with two pieces by local composer, singer, and conductor, Darren Herring.  His wonderful settings of “There is No Rose” and “Coventry Carol” will leave you spell-bound.  The concert wraps up with a jazzy “Christmas Wish” by Mac Frampton and a “Feast of Carols” by Randol Bass.

Happy holidays to all!