Chez Nous: Christmas With Elektra (2007)
December 1, 2007 at 7:30 PM
Ryerson United Church
December 1 brings so many things to look forward to – traditions to be kept, carols to be sung, cookies to be baked, children with expectant faces, far-away families returning home, and the stored-up memories that flood in, bringing all of us joy and renewal as we once again open doors to Christmas. What a pleasure it is to welcome you to our fourth Chez Nous, Christmas with Elektra. This annual concert was created to share through music and readings the anticipation and preparations for the approaching Christmas season.
In Chez Nous this year, we bring you two very special gifts – Fiona Blackburn with her talented British Columbia Girls’ Choir and the shining ensemble, Touch of Brass. Together we’ll premiere a new piece, ‘December’ created by Vancouver composer, Bob Buckley, especially written for this year’s Chez Nous. And of course it wouldn’t be a Christmas concert without all of us singing carols together.
Elektra is pleased to include Daniel Pinkham’s ‘Christmas Cantata’ in this year’s program. Pinkham has often been called the ” ‘master of the miniature’ – one who always wrote just the right amount of notes, in just the right amount of time.” Like a beautifully wrapped present in a small package, his ‘Christmas Cantata’ for SSA, brass and organ, it is a perfect example of his craft. We are also delighted to bring you Mark Sirett’s ‘Song of the Angels’ and Richard Nance’s ‘Hodie Christus Natus Est’ -the first inspired by the modality and elegant line of Gregorian chant, the other an exuberant two-choir setting of an ancient, much-beloved text.
Rounding out Elektra’s portion of the program are two delightful French carols arranged by Derek Holman and Alice Parker’s tender lullaby, Durme, Durme. We thank you for coming to listen, to sing, and to helping us launch this December of anticipation. It is a season that often seems to arrive far too early and reluctantly always departs too soon. Together we’ll find old carols to be treasured and sung, savour readings that bring us back to cozy fireplaces, and remember the mysterious words and glorious music that speak of a shining star and a child being born while angels sang. May our Chez Nous bring you the quiet warmth and joyous awaiting of a Christmas soon to come. Morna and Diane
Guest Artists
Performance Pieces:
Canadian Work