12/19/13 – Welcome Christmas – 10pm
A perennial broadcast favorite featuring the Minneapolis-based ensemble, VocalEssence. Recognized internationally as one of America’s premier choral arts organizations, VocalEssence is led by the visionary Philip Brunelle.
Welcome Christmas Latin-style with the music of legendary jazz musician Dave Brubeck and his charming Christmas cantata La Fiesta de la Posada. Brubeck, who grew up on a cattle ranch in California, fell in love with the sounds of Mexican folk music that surrounded him. Blending Latin rhythms with American jazz, Brubeck created a stunning Christmas cantata celebrating Las Posadas, the Latin festival recounting the journey of Mary and Joseph to the stable. We’ll recreate the piece with Brubeck’s original instrumentation, featuring pianist Dan Chouinard and local mariachi band Mariachi Mi Tierra. Beloved carols will complete the program in settings by renowned American composers including “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “We Three Kings,” and “Angels We Have Heard on High.” Join VocalEssence for a performance that will warm your heart and get you in the Christmas spirit!
VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers
Dan Chouinard, piano
Mariachi Mi Tierra
Philip Brunelle, conductor
