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An Italianate Treat: Chor Leoni’s Yuletide Fires

Weather Update, December 21: The 3 pm concert at Church of the Good Shepherd is definitely happening! See you there. 

Chor Leoni's 2008 iteration of Yuletide Fires glows with the warmth of candlelight on old icons and moonlight on the gentle hills of Tuscany as they present a decidedly Italianate Christmas with special guests soprano Mariateresa Magisano and the Elektra Women's Choir.

Ms. Magisano is no stranger to Chor Leoni audiences, having been featured in past concerts (Magnificat! in 1998 and Music You Can't Refuse in 2005) and as soloist on the choir's recently reissued CD, Carols & Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest. She has also sung major roles for Vancouver Opera. Mariateresa returns to reprise her role as Mary in the centrepiece of this year's concert, Respighi's luminous Lauda per la Natività del Signore.

"We are delighted to present this beautiful Christmas cantata," comments Diane Loomer, C.M., Chor Leoni's Artistic Director. "This musical treasure has often been called Respighi's 'personal Christmas card to the world'. It's a sparkling present containing enchanting combinations of Italian folk poetry and pastoral settings; it's also the beloved Christmas story, complete with shepherds and herald angels singing praises from the starry skies."

Providing the angelic voices will be the renowned Elektra Women's Choir, which Loomer co-conducts with Morna Edmundson. "It's an irresistible combination of forces," says Diane. "The glorious voices of Elektra, the warmth of a small chamber orchestra, the beauty of internationally known Magisano's voice - all combined with the lustrous sound of Chor Leoni. Come and enjoy!"

Also on the programme are excerpts from Rupert Lang's Magnificat, which was written with Ms. Magisano's voice in mind and premiered by Chor Leoni in 1998. Alongside these featured works you can expect Italian favourites such as Jesu Bambino, warm Gregorian chant and enchanting rustic harmonies, all combining to create a concert of expectation and mystical vision. Tickets are already selling well so don't wait too long before ordering yours!

Posted by bruce on November 12, 2008 at 11:14 PM
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