We always look forward to our Welcome Christmas concerts for the joy and warmth that this music brings to everyone. In 2017 we wanted to celebrate some of the many, many composers living in our Twin Cities (Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota): what an abundance of marvelous talent we have here! Some of the music will be familiar settings of old hymns and carols while others will be new to you-and that is one of the joys of programming a Welcome Christmas program! We know you will be delighted with the colorful variety of music our composers offer. It is also a delight to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our Welcome Christmas Carol Contest (supported by the American Composers Forum and the Jerome Foundation) with two new composers and their charming music for a cappella chorus. Best wishes to each of you; may this Advent and Christmas season bring you joy and happiness.
Read the texts of the music online here.
| 1 |
Processional (from The Masque of Angels) [Live] (Dominick Argento) VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers |
2:44 |
| 2 |
Wishes and Candles (Live) (Stephen Paulus) VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers |
3:12 |
| 3 |
Christ Was Born on Christmas Day (Live) (Arr. Randall Davidson) VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers |
2:19 |
| 4 |
In the Bleak Midwinter (Live) (Gustav Holst, arr. Abbie Betinis) VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers, featuring JoAnna Johnson, soprano, and Anna Mooy, alto |
6:49 |
| 5 |
Carol of the Night (Live) (David Evan Thomas) VocalEssence Ensemble Singers |
3:07 |
| 6 |
Jingle Bells (Live) (arr. J. David Moore) VocalEssence Ensemble Singers |
2:21 |
| 7 |
A Carol (Live) (Cary John Franklin) VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, featuring Mari Scott, soprano |
2:46 |
| 8 |
Star in the East (from An Appalachian Epiphany) [Live] (arr. Barbara J. Rogers) VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers |
3:11 |
| 9 |
II. O Hark the Bell's Glad Song (from Ringeltänze: Christmas Carol-Dances) [Live] (Libby Larsen) VocalEssence Ensemble Singers |
2:19 |
| 10 |
III. Beautiful Star (from Ringeltänze: Christmas Carol-Dances) [Live] (Libby Larsen) VocalEssence Ensemble Singers |
3:20 |
| 11 |
IV. Le Petit Nouveau Né (from Ringeltänze: Christmas Carol-Dances) [Live] (Libby Larsen) VocalEssence Ensemble Singers |
0:49 |
| 12 |
V. At Christmas Be Merry (from Ringeltänze: Christmas Carol-Dances) [Live] (Libby Larsen) VocalEssence Ensemble Singers |
1:20 |
| 13 |
VI. The Shepherds All Are Waking (from Ringeltänze: Christmas Carol-Dances) [Live] (Libby Larsen) VocalEssence Ensemble Singers |
2:34 |
| 14 |
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (Live) (Daniel Kallman) VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers |
2:31 |
| 15 |
Fill the Sky (Live) (Nancy Gifford) VocalEssence Chorus |
3:22 |
| 16 |
Winter Walk (from The Longest Nights) [Live] (Timothy C. Takach) VocalEssence Chorus |
4:40 |
| 17 |
Child of Light (Live) (Daniel Kantor) VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers |
6:14 |
| 18 |
The Nine Gifts (Live) (Steve Heitzeg) VocalEssence Ensemble Singers |
4:59 |
| 19 |
Rise Up, Shepherd, And Follow (Live) (G. Phillip Shoultz, III) VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers |
3:51 |
| 20 |
E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come (Live) (Paul Manz) VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers |
2:38 |