The Foothills Chorale invites you to celebrate the hope and joy of the holiday season as we share familiar carols and new choral gems. Our opening set includes gorgeous pieces by American composers Elaine Hagenberg and Austin Schend, which will bookend two stunning settings of “In the Bleak Midwinter” and the famous Jewish song “Bashana Haba’ah.” Each of these lovely selections feature instrumental obbligatos that contribute beautifully to the musical atmosphere. Our second set features three a cappella pieces by the talented Minneapolis composer and conductor, Matthew Culloton. Audiences will delight in the fresh settings of “In Dulci Jubilo,” “What Child Is This?,” and “Make We Joy Now in This Fest.” Each song is rich in rhythmic interest, vibrant harmonies, and stellar text painting.
The second half of our program will feature the powerful work for choir and chamber orchestra by Canadian composer, Paul A. Aitken, entitled “And None Shall Be Afraid.” The composition highlights five peace prayers from 5 different faiths and showcases the commonalities in each faith's central quest for world peace. Opening quietly, the piece builds through it's 5 movements toward a stunning and electric conclusion that emulates hope for all humankind.