O Great Mystery: Motets, Carols, and Spirituals for Christmas

Name: O Great Mystery: Motets, Carols, and Spirituals for Christmas
Start: 2024-12-01T16:00:00-05:00
Location: The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption

Schedule

Sun Dec 01 2024 at 04:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption | Lancaster, OH

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 antiphonal 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 Gabriela’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!