Our program title, O Great Mystery, hints to audiences they will hear a beautiful setting of the text ‘O magnum mysterium’, the well-known Latin antiphon for Christmas. That hint holds true, but there is an added mystery. Which composer’s setting of this timeless text is to be heard? There are numerous wonderful choral interpretations composed over several centuries, and a handful have become favorites with choral enthusiasts. How can an ensemble select but one O magnum mysterium to perform? Or better asked, why program only one setting when three can be compared and contrasted side-by-side? ProArte will perform Giovanni Gabrieli’s double-choir setting published in 1587, Francis Poulenc’s contemplative setting from 1952, and Morten Lauridsen’s luminous setting composed in 1995. Three lively medieval carols ‘made modern’ follow the three ‘O magnums’ and joyfully interrupt the mood of mystery.

After the Intermission a cavalcade of carols fills the air. The audience sings ‘We Three Kings’ with ProArte, three magi soloists, and colorful accompaniment provided by organist, Joshua Brodbeck. The program ends with Christmas spirituals for choir and featured soloist, tenor Shederick Whipple!

Program

O GREAT MYSTERY
Motets, Carols, and Spirituals for Christmas

Latin Motets for Christmas
Hodie Christus natus est a8 – G. P. da Palestrina
O magnum mysterium – Giovanni Gabrieli
O magnum mysterium – Francis Poulenc
O magnum mysterium – Morten Lauridsen
Benedicamus Domino – Peter Warlock       

Medieval Carols ‘Made Modern’
Puer natus in Bethlehem – arr. Samuel Scheidt             
Gaudete – arr. Brian Kay                            
Personent Hodie – arr. John Rutter                        

INTERMISSION

Caroling Thru the Town
Caroling, Caroling – Alfred Burt                           
Bring a Torch – arr. Stephen Caracciolo                    
O Tannenbaum – arr. Stephen Caracciolo                 
Pat-a-pan – arr. Peter Conte                                     

Kings from the East
O Holy Night – arr. John Rutter                             
Bethlehem Down – Peter Warlock                          
Three Kings of Orient (sing-a-long) – arr. John Rutter     

Three Christmas Spirituals
Sweet Little Jesus Boy – arr. Stacy V. Gibbs            
Rise Up, Shepherd and Follow – arr. Roland Carter
Go Tell it on the Mountain – arr. John Work