Tuesday, December 29, 2020, 7:00 PM
Online via YouTube
We are proud to present this video of Christmas music from past CAS concerts, with reflections by the composers. We celebrated with joyful Christmas spirit on the fifth day. This video may be viewed on the CAS YouTube channel. The premiere was followed by a video-conference “afterglow.” Sebastian’s Fine Food and Spirits offered a special dinner. We offer this presentation free of charge, but your donations would be greatly appreciated.
This video presents three choral works: Carol Barnett’s “Welcome all Wonders,” Gregory Berg’s “Shepherd’s Gloria,” and Christian Jesse’s “There Is No Rose of Such Virtue.” The composers will share their thoughts and perspectives.
The Music:
“Welcome all Wonders” by accomplished Minnesota composer Carol Barnett was commissioned and premiered by CAS. This 2011 performance features CAS with the Racine Unified Fine Arts children’s chorus. This spirited choral work heralds the birth of Jesus and the bringing of hope. Pealing bells and the singing of angels are brought to mind in majestic sections. Quieter passages express reverent awe.
Gregory Berg is well known in southeastern Wisconsin as a composer, musician, educator, and radio host. He wrote his “Shepherd’s Gloria” specially for CAS, and it has added joyful energy to many concerts. The rhythmic music and exuberant lyrics paint a wonderful picture of the announcement of Jesus’s birth.
Christian Jesse’s “There Is No Rose of Such Virtue” is a more recent addition to the CAS repertoire. This heartfelt work gives freshness to the 15th century hymn text with pleasing harmonies. The sweet and peaceful tone of this music is simple and profound, as is the text that calls the listener to introspection and focus on the message of Christmas: “Leave we all this worldly mirth and follow we this joyful birth.”
This season was supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding for this season has been allocated from the Friends of Seniors Fund, the Vonnie and Maglona Jones Fund, and the Unrestricted Fund within the Racine Community Foundation.