St. Charles Singers to perform 20 contrasting carols Dec. 4-6
The St. Charles Singers' 32nd annual "Candlelight Carols" Christmas concerts, a perennial audience favorite, will blend an intriguing new array of off-the-beaten path songs of the season with traditional offerings.
Conducted by founder and music director Jeffrey Hunt, the professional chamber choir's 2015 "Candlelight Carols" program will offer 20 contrasting carols by almost as many composers, including a "Magnificat" by Johann Pachelbel, best known for his popular Canon in D major; "In the Bleak Midwinter" by Gustav Holst, best known for "The Planets;" and a carol by contemporary Englishman Jonathan Dove with a part written for the audience.
The Holst piece will be one of eight works the St. Charles Singers will perform for the first time.
Hunt says the variety of composers and carols distinguish the St. Charles Singers' annual Christmas programs. "There won't be a lot of musical chestnuts roasting on the fire," Hunt says.
The program will be heard at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave. in St. Charles; and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St. in Chicago.
Among the unusual offerings is Dove's "Run, shepherds, run!" written for unaccompanied choir with audience participation. Hunt will coach audience members on how to sing their part. Eight choir members will be posted throughout the hall to sing with and support the audience.
Dove is known as a master at word-painting: bringing words to life through music. A reviewer once wrote that "Run, shepherds, run!" gives the listener "an almost palpable feeling of heading over the hills in double time trying to keep up with the sheep."
Hunt has programmed three carols by Sir David Willcocks as a tribute to the influential, recently departed British choirmaster, composer, and arranger: "Birthday Carol," "He Smiles Within His Cradle," and "Silent Night."
The mixed-voice ensemble of 37 singers will also perform Orlando Gibbons' "This is the Record of John," Thomas Luis de Victoria's "Alma Redemptoris 8," Robert Pearsall's "In Dulci Jubilo," Herbert Howell's "Sing Lullaby," Richard Bjella's arrangement of Mateo Flecha's "Riu, Riu, Chiu," and Morten Lauridsen's "O Magnum Mysterium."
Also: Robert Shaw and Alice Parker's "Masters in This Hall," William Robert Spencer's "The Ditchling Carol," John Rutter's "There Is a Flower," Carolyn Jennings' "Fum, Fum, Fum," Craig Hella Johnson's "The Rose/Lo How a Rose," Matthew Collowton's "O Little Town of Bethlehem," the traditional Ukrainian carol "Carol of the Bells," and Jeremy Langford's arrangement of "Jingle Bells."
The St. Charles Singers' new Klop positiv organ, acquired this year, will be heard in three carols. "Its wooden pipes have such a wonderful sound," Hunt says. Other carols will have piano accompaniment. "The Ditchling Carol" includes snare and tom-tom drums.
Candlelight Choristers
Performing in the "Candlelight Carols" concerts will be sopranos Jeanne Fornari of Batavia, Ingrid Burrichter of Chicago, Mary Kunstman of DeKalb, Laura Johnson of Hanover Park, Cynthia Spiegel of La Fox, Meredith Dubon and Jennifer Gingrich of Naperville, AnDréa James of St. Charles, Corinne Elliot of Wheaton, and Karen Lukose of Winfield.
The alto section will include Sarah Underhill of Aurora, Margaret Fox and Valerie Heinkel-Bolero of Batavia, Amanda Brex-Castillo of Cary, Bethany Nelson of Crystal Lake, Bridget Kancler of Oak Park, Jennifer Hunt of St. Charles, Deb Wilder of Wheeling, and Chelsea Rhodes of Yorkville.
Tenors are Rob Campbell of DeKalb, Bradley Staker of Elburn, Jonathan Cramer of Grayslake, Dan Stuby of Naperville, Gregor King of Sycamore, David Hunt of Wayne, Steve Williamson and Joel Visker of West Chicago, and Robert Boyd of Westmont.
Basses are Phil Nohl and Michael Thoms of Aurora, Brandon Fox of Batavia, Antonio Quaranta of Carol Stream, Nate Coon of Crystal Lake, David Hartley of Lake in the Hills, Ernie Klapmeier and Mike Popplewell of North Aurora, and Jens Hurty of Yorkville.
Tickets and Information
Single tickets for St. Charles Singers "Candlelight Carols" concerts are $35 adult general admission, $30 for seniors 65 and older, and $10 for students.
Tickets and general information about the St. Charles Singers are available at www.stcharlessingers.com or by calling (630) 513-5272.
Tickets are also available at Townhouse Books, 105 N. Second Ave., St. Charles (checks or cash only at this ticket venue). Tickets may also be purchased at the door on the day of the concert, depending on availability. Group discounts are available.