I am writing this blog on Labor Day. For many, Labor Day marks the unofficial gateway out of summer into our regular fall routines. There's school for many, the startup of activities that have been suspended for the summer. For those of us in the Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale, it signals the beginning of a new season of singing together!
The Chorale is excited to begin rehearsal on this year's Wintersong concerts—our annual Christmas offerings. I'm looking forward to some wonderful music this year! Let me give you just a sampling. Here is another rousing piece from Mack Wilberg:
Noe! Noe!
Shepherds, rise—look up and see new light yonder breaking,
Brighter than the noonday sun, all your sheep awaking.
Wonder, whisper, "Ah, Noe!" Christ is born this holy day!
He is come to you, lowly shepherds, true!
He is come unto you, Morning Star and New Day!
Wonder, whisper, "Ah Noe!"
For those of you who attended Wintersong 2018, you will remember the haunting beauty of Elaine Hagenberg's All Praise to Thee. This year, the Chorale will sing another of Elaine's settings—Wexford Carol.
Good people all, this Christmas time,
Consider well and bear in mind
What our good God for us has done
In sending His beloved Son.
From energetic processional to quiet candlelit conclusion, Wintersong 2019 promises to be a concert that will help you begin your Christmas season with joy! The Chorale will be joined by organist Dan Mattix and a chamber orchestra. And as always, we'll invite you to join us in singing some of the carols of Christmas! All of that, and of course, the Chorale's Ensemble directed by Mac Willaert. I hope you'll mark your calendar now and watch our website for ticket availability. We'd love to see you there!
Greg Wheatley
Music Director, Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale
WINTERSONG 2019:
CHRISTMAS WITH THE GLEN ELLYN-WHEATON CHORALE
WITH DAN MATTIX, ORGANIST
AND CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 AT 7:30 PM
OR
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 AT 3:00 PM
COLLEGE CHURCH IN WHEATON