Behold, a new joy,
Behold, a new wonder!
So begins the English translation of Ola Gjeilo's Ecce Novum. This hauntingly beautiful piece is just one of several that the Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale is preparing to sing in our upcoming Christmas concerts, Wintersong 2018. This work for chorus, piano, and strings shimmers with the wide-eyed wonder of the Incarnation that is Christmas. And it's just one of many other pieces you'll hear. Here are just a few more to whet your appetite:
O Little Town of Bethlehem is set by Dan Forrest (recall Dan's wonderful See Amid the Winter's Snow sung by the Chorale in a recent Wintersong concert). O Little Town of Bethlehem features the choir, piano, strings, and—of all things—a soprano saxophone!
Rejoice and Sing! by John Rutter. You'll need to be able to count to seven for this one! That's right—it's I Saw Three Ships in 7/8 time!
Sussex Carol in a setting by Elaine Hagenberg. Elaine is a young composer who is writing some absolutely beautiful music! We'll also sing her setting of All Praise to Thee, with text from Martin Luther.
O Come All Ye Faithful. But wait a minute! Not exactly as you may be thinking of it! This is a rollicking setting by Jacob Narverud of the Pentatonix version of this favorite Christmas music.
Sound like Christmas? It does to me! It's not too early to get one of our concerts on your calendar! We'll present two concerts, each featuring the Chorale, the Ensemble under the direction of Mac Willaert, the pipe organ, and strings. And as always, you'll be singing along too in several carols of Christmas.
So . . . mark your calendar for Friday, November 30 at 7:30 p.m. or Saturday, December 1 at 3:00 p.m. Our concerts, as always, are at College Church, corner of Washington and Seminary in Wheaton. Watch this website for ticket availability and other information pertaining to the Chorale.
We hope to see you in our audience this Christmas!
Greg Wheatley
Music Director, Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale