ISLAND CONSORT CHOIR

St. Andrew’s United Church, 311 Fitzwilliam Street, Nanaimo

Hey there - choral music fans! We want to entice you to our fabulous upcoming Christmas program, “THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS”. The Island Consort is under way with rehearsals on repertoire that blends the lovely sentiments of Renaissance and Baroque composers with contemporary seasonal music; for example, Sweelinck’s “Hodie, Christus Natus Est” and Kirby Shaw’s “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”. Other pieces include; Lauridsen’s “O Magnum Mysterium”, Rutter’s “Candlelight Carol”, and contemporary arrangements of “The 1st Noel”, “The Christmas Song” (chestnuts roasting), and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”.

The feature work will be J.S. Bach’s wonderful, energetic cantata, BWV191 - “Gloria In Excelsis Deo”, a 16 minute work in 3 movements with an 18-piece orchestra to accompany the choir (the trumpets will sound!). The choir will also be accompanied with organ and piano on several pieces by Jenny Vincent. AND, we will have an audience sing-along to complement the spirit of the occasion - to truly feel the Joy of Christmas.