November 15, 2005
For more information contact Peter Pulsifer, Concert Promotions Director, at 617-267-7442.
Chorus pro Musica, led by Music Director Jeffrey Rink, performs two special holiday concerts, on Friday, December 16 at 8 pm and Sunday, December 18 at 3 pm, at the beautiful and historic Old South Church in Copley Square, Boston. Both concerts include the traditional candlelight procession, brass chorale and carol sing-along.
The Friday evening performance features Ottorino Respighi's Lauda per la Natività del Signore, a beautiful pastoral cantata that depicts the nativity of Jesus as the shepherds might have seen it as told in the 13th-century poem by lawyer-turned-Franciscan monk Jacopone da Todi. Respighi, who is famous for his luminous harmonies and vivid orchestral color, uses madrigals and ancient musical forms such as plainchant to conjure this mystical vision. Soloists are soprano Rochelle Bard, mezzo-soprano Susan Forrester, and tenor Martin Kelly. The program also includes Francis Poulenc's Four Motets for Christmas and other spiritual works.
The Sunday afternoon performance is the chorus's second annual family holiday celebration, featuring a special appearance by the New England Conservatory Children's Chorus. This year, for the first time, a surprise visitor is expected from the North Pole, so children in attendance should plan to be extra-nice. The program includes seasonal favorites and carol sing-alongs. Children under 12 years of age will be admitted free of charge to Sunday's performance when accompanied by an adult.
Tickets to the concerts are reserved seating and may be purchased for $20, $30 or $50. Discounts are available for seniors, students, WGBH members and parties of 6 or more. Subscriptions are still available for the three remaining concerts in the season; subscribers save 15% off single-ticket prices and may buy extra discounted single-concert tickets. Tickets may be obtained and seats selected online at www.choruspromusica.org or by calling 800-658-4276 at any time.
Now in its 57th season, Chorus pro Musica is a distinguished, independent Boston-based chorus, recognized for versatility and excellence in performing traditional, adventurous and seldom-heard works. The Chorus was founded in 1949 by the late Alfred Nash Patterson and has built a superb reputation for its professional-level musical standards and innovative programming. Jeffrey Rink, now in his 16th year as Music Director, is the 2005 recipient of the Jacopo Peri Award of the New England Opera Club for outstanding contributions in the art of opera.
Other highlights of the 2005–2006 season include: Music for Chorus and Winds by Anton Bruckner and Igor Stravinsky at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, on Friday, April 7, 2006; and the Boston premiere of Giuseppe Verdi's grand opera Attila, on Sunday, June 4, 2006, at NEC's Jordan Hall.
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