I remember as a boy impatiently marking off days on a calendar until the long-anticipated arrival of Christmas! The excitement was almost more than my little sister and I could bear! Watching for the first snowfall, going on an expedition to find the perfect Christmas tree (never tall enough for my sister and me), and snooping mischievously in closets for presents. All of this was delicious anticipation for us as we awaited the arrival of that magical time called Christmas.
I don't think we adults are too much different—or at least I wish we were more like that. Christmas is a wonderful time to remember that something very amazing really did happen in this old world some two millennia ago! And that there is a reason that Christmas has captivated the imaginations of people, young and old, for centuries.
The Chorale's desire for our Christmas concerts is to invite you into that celebration. Conrad Susa's A Christmas Garland provided a perfect way to joyously welcome the season! This medley of carols was first performed in 1988 in memory of Susa's friend Nikos Kafkalis, who had just passed away. Susa himself describes the recurring Noel! in this piece as the "garland" that strings together the other carols. We hope you enjoyed being called upon to lend your own voice throughout this medley!
I hope that the Chorale's presentation of this Christmas concert served as a gateway into the season for you, helping you remember what Christmas is all about!
Greg Wheatley
Music Director, Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale