Why we chose it: A Cantata Christmas
From Executive Director Nick Adams:
Picture this: A crisp December evening, the historic walls of St. Paul's Parish, and you, tucked into a seat about to embark on a musical experience that will warm your heart faster than Burdick’s hot chocolate (just down the street!).
When Noah and I sat to discuss venues for this year's holiday concert, we knew we wanted something special. St. Paul's Parish quickly emerged as perfect – a space where acoustics aren't just heard, they're *felt*. Each note will have the chance to become a holiday memory.
This isn't just another holiday concert. This is A Cantata Christmas – a musical evening that goes beyond your typical carols and seasonal sing-along. We're talking about an experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of holiday music, from Bach and renaissance masterpieces to beloved carols, and yes, a Cantata Singers sing-along.
Let's first mention the extraordinary: Bach's Cantata #1. Most holiday concerts might shy away from such an intricate piece on the program, but not Cantata Singers. We're bringing sophistication with a side of joy, showing that holiday music can be both intellectually stimulating and emotionally moving - it’s unexpected, delightful, and absolutely memorable.
Speaking of memorable, we've got a rare treat (for us) up our sleeve – audience participation! Remember those moments when you've wanted to belt out a carol but felt too shy? Well, consider this your musical hall pass. David Willcocks' Five Christmas Carols are your invitation to sing your heart out, whether you're a shower singer or an opera star.
From Giovanni Gabrieli's renaissance brilliance to R. Nathaniel Dett's soulful "O holy Lord" and the contemporary charm of Ryan Brandau's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," quite possibly the widest array of holiday music is on the table for this concert.
Singing - particularly around the holidays - is a well-worn, time-tested tradition. There's something profoundly moving about human voices coming together, creating harmonies that can make time stand still. It's not just music; it's a communal experience, lives and stories being knitted together.
So, are you ready to make this holiday season extraordinary? A Cantata Christmas isn't just a concert – it's an experience, a memory in the making, a celebration of music's power to unite, uplift, and transform.
Grab your tickets, bring your loved ones, and prepare for an evening where music doesn't just fill the room – it fills your soul. If you’ve read this far, thanks so much. For your efforts, use code HAPPY for 25% off your ticket order.
See you at St. Paul’s for A Cantata Christmas!