Cool Christmas Music

As the heat of summer hits, the Pass Chorale is singing some very cool Christmas music! We're preparing for our December 14 Christmas Concert. The major work to be performed with orchestra is "Magnificat" by British composer, John Rutter. In addition, we're learning several beautiful anthems and carols. Some are: the Wexford Carol, arranged by John Rutter, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, arranged by Alice Parker and Robert Shaw, O Nata Lux by Morten Lauridson, What Sweeter Music by John Rutter, and How Unto Bethlehem, arranged by Alice Parker and Robert Shaw. There may be more too! If this music sounds good to you, please join us! Its a great way to keep cool during the hot summer.

Welcome

On Mother's Day of this year, the Pass Chorale performed the complete Handel's Messiah. It was a first, as far as I know, in the town of Banning to have this wonderful piece heard! It was also a first for many of the performers, orchestra and singers, to perform the whole work. There is the consideration of making it an annual affair, since it is so loved. It would build into an extra special event were we to do this. We will deliberate about this.

In 1990, my church choir at Westwood Hills Congregational Church in West L.A. teamed up with the L.A. Baroque Orchestra to do the complete work. The orchestra uses period style instruments, tuned to almost a half step lower, the result was wonderful. Easier to sing, from a tessitura standpoint and the style of play of the strings, very special. A valveless trumpet on The Trumpet Shall Sound? You'd have to see it to believe it!

Please join us, if you like singing works of the Masters. - ES