Tim Keeler, the group's music director, emphasizes the blend of tradition and innovation: "There are traditions… We always have early music, for which we're known. We start the concert by candlelight, singing Gregorian chant as we process in. This sets the scene and reminds everyone of winter, darkness and cold." He highlights how each year’s performance creatively intertwines historical and contemporary pieces.
Keeler expands on the array of music featured, stating, "When the lights come up, we’ll sing more joyful music, including carols from the 15th century Trinity Carol Roll, excerpts from Benjamin Britten’s 'A Ceremony of Carols' and a new piece by Sarah Quartel. We always include Franz Biebl's 'Ave Maria,' which is our 'Hallelujah Chorus,' in our Christmas concerts.”
Reflecting on the significance of the concert, Keeler notes, "This concert is a big deal for us, as it is for any choir. Choral music gets more attention during the holidays than at any time. New people come to our Christmas concerts and go on to attend others, and we also have audience members who’ve been coming for 20 years but don’t see our other concerts."
#chanticleer-christmas #choral-music #holiday-concerts #tradition-and-innovation #san-francisco-mens-chorus
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