Download high res photo of composer John Rutter

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (September 8, 2009) –VocalEssence will Welcome Christmas this holiday season with the music of choral composer extraordinaire John Rutter—including the United States premiere of his newest work “Carol of the Magi.” Named “the best choral show of the season by the best choral group around” by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, the 33^rd annual Welcome Christmas remains a beloved Twin Cities holiday tradition. Under the direction of Philip Brunelle, the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers with chamber orchestra celebrate the holidays with performances on December 6, 11, 12 & 13, 2009 at a variety of churches throughout the metropolitan area. Tickets are $20-$40 (Service charges apply. Student tickets are half-price, group discounts are available.) For tickets and information, call 612-371-5656 or visit www.vocalessence.org/welcome-christmas2009.

For more than three decades, the glittering melodies of John Rutter’s carols, including “What Sweeter Music,” have provided the ideal soundtrack for the holiday season. Best known for his choral compositions, John Rutter is one of the “most successful and well-known composer[s]” (BBC Music Magazine) in the world. In 2002, he was commissioned for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and composed a work that was performed at the 2002 Service of Thanksgiving in St Paul’s Cathedral, London. John Rutter was awarded a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) in 2007, recognizing his outstanding services to music.

The performance also features the world premiere of two carols composed for chorus and viola, as part of the 12^th Annual Welcome Christmas Carol Contest. A total of 41 scores from 23 states were submitted for this year’s contest sponsored by VocalEssence and American Composers Forum. Winning carols will be announced in October.

In addition to these future holiday favorites, this season’s Welcome Christmas performances feature John Rutter’s original carols and his arrangements of traditional Christmas carols—including “Away in a Manger,” “The Holly and the Ivy,” and concludes with a rousing audience sing-along of “Joy to the World.” Welcome Christmas is guaranteed to send holiday spirits soaring!

For press information and photographs related to Welcome Christmas, please contact Jennifer Bauer (612-547-1459, jbauer@vocalessence.org) or visit the press section of www.vocalessence.org.

Program

Premieres

• Welcome Christmas Carol Contest winning carols for chorus with viola (world premieres)
• John Rutter, Carol of the Magi (United States premiere)

Additional Carols

• Bob Chilcott, The Heart-in-Waiting
• Felix Mendelssohn, Frohlocket, ihr Völker auf Erden
• Felix Mendelssohn, There Shall a Star Come Out of Jacob
• John Rutter, Brother Heinrich’s Christmas: A Fable with Music
• John Rutter, What Sweeter Music
• Arr. John Rutter, Away in a Manger
• Arr. John Rutter, Joy to the World
• Arr. John Rutter, Noel Nouvelet
• Arr. John Rutter, Past Three A-Clock
• Arr. John Rutter, The Holly and the Ivy

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