Courtesy/Sangre de Cristo Chorale
SCC News:
SANTA FE — The Sangre de Cristo Chorale will perform its holiday concert, Mid-Winter Songs, at 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7 in Santa Fe. Both concerts will be at the First Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe. Celebrating its 48th season, the 52-voice Chorale is led by Music Director George Case and accompanied by pianist Deborah Wagner.
The centerpiece of this concert is Morten Lauridsen’s five-movement choral symphony Mid- Winter Songs for chorus and piano. Based on the poetry of British poet and novelist Robert Graves, Mid-Winter Songs combines literary insight and musical inspiration. The concert also includes traditional Christmas favorites such as the Huron Carol, In the Bleak Midwinter, Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and other holiday music that celebrates the season.
“Mid-Winter Songs is a glorious piece composed early in Morten Lauridsen’s career that explores the starkness and beauty of winter,” Music Director George Case states. “As choral fans know, Lauridsen has made an indelible mark on the American choral scene. His beautiful music is immediately recognizable for its modal qualities indebted to the Renaissance, its distinctive harmonic language, and its singability. In Mid-Winter Songs, we hear these qualities and are also able to experience the abandon and excitement of an early composition, with glimpses of what will become known as Lauridsen’s trademark sound. We’re excited to perform this wonderful piece in its entirety for our audience and also look forward to sharing some of the best-loved holiday music and carols to celebrate this season of community, togetherness, and good cheer.”
Tickets cost $30 for adults and students under 18 are free. Tickets are available online at sdcchorale.org. The First Presbyterian Church is located at 208 Grant Avenue in Santa Fe. The mission of the Sangre de Cristo Chorale is to entertain, educate, unite, and inspire singers and audiences by performing great choral music.
Founded in 1978, the Sangre de Cristo Chorale is among the longest continually performing independent chorales in New Mexico and performs diverse choral music for the educational and artistic enrichment of the audience, the community, and its members.
Courtesy/Sangre de Cristo Chorale