An International Christmas
A James River Singers concert collaboration with special guest
Greater Richmond Children’s Choir
Friday, December 9 at 7 p.m.
Church of the Holy Comforter
Saturday, December 10 at 7 p.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church
An International Christmas
A James River Singers concert collaboration
with special guest Greater Richmond Children’s Choir
Personent Hodie
Anonymous, 16th century
arr. Dan HInshaw
Hodie Christus Natus Est
O Magnum Mysterium
Giovanni Gabrieli (1554-1612)
Rorando Coeli
Jan Campanus Vodnansky (1572-1622)
‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime
Jean de Brébeuf (1593-1649)
arr. Christopher Aspaas
GRCC Cavalieri Choir
Lína Avatárá (He Chose Birth Among Us) Indic Carol
arr. Gil Robbins (1931-2011)
Beth Almore, cello
Adam lay ybounden
GRCC Pro Arte Choir
Martha Jones Burford (b. 1964)
GRCC Cantare Choir
Magnificat, Chorus I Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710-1736)
ed. Virginia Stroh & Buryl Red
Kekeli Tso Kekeli Me
T. W. Kwami (1916-1987)
We Wish You A Joyful Holiday Traditional
words by Hope Armstrong Erb
Intermission
Tres Villancicos
Dadme albricias hijos d’Eua
Riu, Riu, Chiu
Dansaron
Anonymous, 16th century
arr. Ben Allaway (b. 1958)
Quelle est cette odeur agréable?
arr. Donald Patriquin (b. 1938)
Three Latvian Carols
Ziemassvētu nakts
Meklētāja celš
Ai, nama māmina
arr. Andrejs Jansons (b. 1938)
Cradle Hymn
Kim André Arnesen (b.1980)
Poem: Isaac Watts ( 1674-1748)
Audience Sing-a-long (see words on pages 14-15)
Once in Royal David’s City
verse 1 soloist, Meaghan Nuckols
Deck the Hall
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
A Winter’s Night
arr. Cecilia McDowall (b. 1951)
Translations & Notes
Personent Hodie
Anonymous, 16th century
arr. Dan HInshaw
This piece was originally published in a Finnish collection of Christmas
carols called Piae Cantiones in 1582. The melody is similar to a much older
piece found in a manuscript near Prague. Scandinavian clerical students had
gone there for many years to complete their studies and it is likely the song
originated there. The text is closely associated with Saint Nicholas, whose
feast day is December 6, and Holy Innocents’ Day on December 28.
Translation:
Personent hodie
voces puerulae,
laudantes iucunde
qui nobis est natus,
summo Deo datus,
et de vir, vir, vir
et de virgineo ventre procreatus.
Let resound today
the voices of children,
joyfully praising
Him who is born to us,
given by most high God,
and conceived in a virginal womb.
In mundo nascitur,
pannis involvitur
praesepi ponitur
stabulo brutorum,
rector supernorum.
Perdidit, dit, dit,
perdidit spolia princeps infernorum.
He was born into the world,
wrapped in swaddling clothes,
and laid in a manger
in a stable for animals,
the master of the heavens.
The prince of Hell has lost his spoils.
Magi tres venerunt,
munera offerunt,
parvulum inquirunt,
stellulam sequendo,
ipsum adorando,
aurum, thus, thus, thus,
aurum, thus, et myrrham ei offerendo.
Omnes clericuli,
pariter pueri,
cantent ut angeli:
advenisti mundo,
laudes tibi fundo.
Ideo, o, o,
ideo gloria in excelsis Deo.
Three Magi came,
they were bearing gifts,
and sought the little one,
following a star,
to worship him,
and offer him gold, frankincense, and
myrrh.
Let all priests
just like the boys
sing like angels:
“You have come to the world,
I pour out praises to you.
Therefore, glory to God in the highest!”
4
Hodie Christus Natus Est
Giovanni Gabrieli (1554-1612)
The following two selections are examples of Gabrieli’s cori spezzati style,
where choirs sing antiphonally across from one another. This practice was
developed using the unique architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, where
two choir lofts faced each other. Multiple choirs, accompanied by various
instruments, could sing together and in alternation, creating a unique stereo
effect for the listener.
Translation:
Today is Christ born;
Today the Savior has appeared;
Today on Earth the Angels sing,
Archangels rejoice;
Today the righteous rejoice, saying:
Glory to God in the highest
And on earth, peace
To men of good will.
Hodie Christus natus est
hodie Salvator apparuit:
hodie in terra canunt Angeli,
laetantur Archangeli:
hodie exsultant justi, dicentes:
Gloria in excelsis Deo,
Et in terra pax
Hominibus boluntatis.
O Magnum Mysterium
Giovanni Gabrieli
Translation:
O magnum mysterium,
O great mystery,
et admirabile sacramentum,
and wonderful sacrament,
ut animalia viderent Dominum natum,
that animals should see the new-born Lord,
jacentem in praesepio!
lying in a manger!
Beata Virgo, cujus viscera
Blessed is the Virgin whose womb
meruerunt portare
was worthy to bear
Dominum Christum.
Christ the Lord.
Alleluia.
Alleluia.
Rorando Coeli
Jan Campanus Vodnansky (1572-1622)
Noted Czech composer Jan Campanus Vodnansky published this selection in
his collection Sacrarum odarum libri duo in 1613. He chose to set this wellknown Advent text in the Venetian polychoral style of Gabrieli.
Translation:
O, Heavens, let forth your gentle rain;
and clouds, pour down the Just one.
The earth’s secrets are now unlocked:
make the flower of salvation bloom.
Rorando coeli defluant,
nubesque justum depluant:
aperta terra machina,
florem salutis germina.
Dirumpe, sancte solpolum.
Algensque visita solum,
Iamcelsa montium ruent,
Et more cerae defluent.
Break forth, O sun and caress the earth
That has been so long chilled by the winter
snows.
The mountain will tumble,
And like wax will flow and melt away.
5
Translations & Notes (cont.)
‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime
Jean de Brébeuf (1593-1649)
arr. Christopher Aspaas
In 1625, the French Jesuit missionary Jean de Brébeuf traveled to Canada to
evangelize the native peoples. He lived among the Hurons of the Saint Laurence Valley for more than fifteen years. Learning the language was extremely
difficult for him but he eventually succeeded in creating the first dictionary
of the Huron language. In 1643, de Brébeuf wrote this song, called Iesous
Ahatonnia, in the Huron language in order to teach the people about the
birth of Christ, and it became the first Canadian Christmas carol. The tune is a
traditional French melody. In 1649, de Brébeuf and many Hurons were killed
by a group of Iroquois who attacked the mission church.
‘Twas in the moon of winter-time
When all the birds had fled,
That mighty Gitchi Manitou
Sent angel choirs instead;
Before their light the stars grew dim,
And wandering hunters heard the hymn:
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born,
In excelsis gloria.
Within a lodge of broken bark
The tender Babe was found,
A ragged robe of rabbit skin
Enwrapped His beauty round;
But as the hunter braves drew nigh,
The angel song rang loud and high
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born,
In excelsis gloria.
O children of the forest free,
The angel song is true;
The Holy Child of earth and heaven
Is born today for you.
Come kneel before the radiant Boy
Who brings you beauty, peace and joy.
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born,
Gloria!
6
Lína Avatárá Indic Carol, arr. Gil Robbins (1931-2011)
There are more than 200 languages and dialects spoken on the sub-continent
of India; the text of this carol uses words from at least three of them. Translation by Amritlal V. Mehta:
Lína avatárá; soi jagareyjá.
Desha Yahúdamen Kitane gareriye;
Kheton men jo saba basa rarayá.
Translation:
He took birth on the earth; only He is the King of the world.
How can there be anyone greater than He in this world?
He is in the body of everyone; there is no space without Him in it.
Adam lay ybounden Martha Jones Burford (b. 1964)
“Adam lay ybounden” is a macaronic English text dated c.1400 probably written by
a wandering minstrel. The author expresses surprise that the Fall of Man could be
caused by Adam merely eating an apple, but says it must be so because it is written
in scripture. Yet had Adam not taken the apple, there would never have been need for
the grace brought by Mary in her son Jesus. Thanks be to God!
The text is set to music by Richmond’s own Martha Jones Burford, currently Music
Director at Historic St. John’s Church and known for her passion in using music and
liturgy to promote justice and peace.
Adam lay ybounden,
Bounden in a bond;
Four thousand winter,
Thought he not too long.
And all was for an apple,
An apple that he took.
As clerkes finden,
Written in their book.
Ne had the apple taken been,
The apple taken been,
Ne had never our ladie,
Abeen heav’ne queen.
Blessed be the time
That apple taken was,
Therefore we moun singen.
Deo gratias!
7
Translations & Notes (cont.)
Magnificat, Chorus I Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710-1736)
ed. Virginia Stroh & Buryl Red
The choir will perform the first chorus of this setting of the Song of Mary. The
editors Virginia Stroh and Buryl Red assert that Pergolesi is the composer,
while other scholars claim this is the work of Francesco Durante, Pergolesi’s
teacher.
Magnificat anima mea Dominum, et exultavit spiritus meus in Deo salutari
meo.
Quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae.
Ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes. generationes.
Quia fecit mihi magna, qui potens est, et sanctum nomen ejus.
My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden.
For, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For He that is mighty hath done to me great things, and holy is his name.
Kekeli Tso Kekeli Me T. W. Kwami (1916-1987)
The Greater Richmond Children’s Choir has had the great joy of knowing Dr.
Paul Kwami, director of the Fisk Jubilee Singers of Fisk University. Dr. Kwami
shared this song that his father T. W. Kwami wrote in the Ghanaian language
of Ewé, and GRCC performed it on their 2012 tour to England and Ghana in
places such as the Liverpool Cathedral and Cape Coast Castle where, in the
18th century, enslaved Africans were imprisoned and loaded on ships to
America.
Kekéli tso kekéli me.
Egbé ‘nye aseye tso gbe mi wonkeke sia kokoe.
Egbé ‘nye, dzidzo gbe, mi dziha kpakple dzidzo.
Mi na mia hawo na di.
Light comes from light within.
Today is a day to rejoice. Make this day holy.
Let your songs resound with joy.
We Wish You A Joyful Holiday Traditional, words by Hope Armstrong Erb
The Greater Richmond Children’s Choir welcomes and celebrates children of
all creeds and cultures. This light-hearted text set to the tune of “We Wish You
a Merry Christmas” includes as many holidays in the fall and winter as could
be squeezed into the meter.
Listen closely to identify all of them!
8
Tres Villancicos
Anonymous, 16th century
arr. Ben Allaway (b. 1958)
A villancico is a Spanish song form that features multiple stanzas with a refrain accompanied by various instruments. The texture could be homophonic, polyphonic or imitative. Originally developed as secular dance music in the 15th century,
villancicos were later composed with sacred vernacular liturgical texts and used as
anthems, often replacing Latin motets in the Mass. The three Christmas selections
presented here were published anonymously in 1556. The texts of Dadme Albricias
and Riu, Riu Chiu are Castilian, and the text of Dansaron combines Catalan and
Provençale French.
Dadme albricias hijos d’Eua
Dadme albricias, hijos d’Eva!
¿Di de qué dartelas han?
Que es nascido el nuevo Adan.
¡Oh hy de Dios y que nueva!
Translation:
Give me glad tidings, children of Eve!
And for what shall we give them to you?
Because the new Adam is born.
Praise God, what good news!
Dadmelas y haved placer
Pues esta noche es nascido,
El Mexias prometido,
Dios y hombre, de mujer.
Give glad tidings and rejoice
Because this night is born
The promised Messiah
God and man, of woman.
Y su nascer nos releva
Del pecado y de su afan
Que es nascido el nuevo Adan.
¡Ohy de Dios, y que nueva!
His birth relieves us
Of sin and its zeal,
Because the new Adam is born.
Praise God, what good news!
Riu, Riu, Chiu
Riu, riu, chiu, la guarda ribera,
Dios guarde el lobo de nuestra cordera.
River, little river, guardian of the riverside,
God keep the wolf from the sheep.
El lobo rabioso la quiso morder
Mas Dios poderoso la supo defender,
Quizole hazer que no pudiesse pecar,
Ni aun original esta uirgen no tuuiera.
The ranting wolf tried to bite her,
But God the all-powerful protected her,
He wished to keep her from sin,
Not even original sin should this virgin have.
Este qu’es nasçido es el gran monarcha,
Christo patriarca de carne uestido
Hanos redimido con se hazer chiquito,
Aunque era infinito, finito se hiziera.
He who was born the great monarch,
Christ the patriarch dressed in flesh
Has redeemed us by becoming small,
Although He was infinite, finite he made himself.
Muchas profecias lo han profetizado,
Y aun en nuestros dias, lo hemos alcancado,
A Dios humandado vemos en el suelo,
Y al hombre en el cielo porque el lo quisiera.
Many prophecies prophesied Him,
And even in our day, we have reached Him.
God in human form we have seen on Earth
And Man in heaven because He so wished.
Pues que ya tenemos lo que desseamos,
Todos juntos uamos presentes lleuemos;
Todos le daremos nuestra uoluntad,
Pues a se iqualar con nosotros uiniera.
Since we now have what we desire,
Let’s go all together bearing presents;
Our will we shall give Him,
Because He came to make Himself equal to
us.
9
Translations & Notes (cont.)
Dansaron
Translation:
E la don don, Verges Maria,
e la don, don
Peu cap desanque
que nos dansaron.
[O lady, lady], O gift of gifts, Virgin Mary,
The gift of gifts,
Small pale head
For whom we danced.
O garçons aquesta nit
Una verges n’a parit
Unfillo qu’es tro polit
Que non aut au en lo mon.
Good fellows, this night
A virgin has given birth
A son so perfect,
That there is no other like him in the world.
Digas nos qui to l’a dit
Que Verges n’a ya parit,
Que nos may avem ausit
Lo que tu diu giran ton.
Tell us who told you
The Virgin has already given
Because we have never heard
What you are telling us.
A ço dian los argeus,
Que cantave altas veus
La grolla n’exelsis Deus,
Qu’en Belem lo trobaron.
The angels told me,
Singing in loud voices
The glory in excelsis Deus
Because in Bethlehem they found him.
You will sing his deeds,
For Jesus my good friend
Who will protect us in the night
From all evil which could befall man.
Ibe cantare sus dich,
Per Jesus mon bon amich,
Que nos sauvara la nit
De tot mal qu’an hom se dorm.
10
Quelle est cette odeur agréable?
arr. Donald Patriquin (b. 1938)
Donald Patriquin is a well-known choral composer from Québec. He is
especially interested in traditional music from Canada and France, and his
compositions present these beautiful pieces in very creative ways. Quelle
est cette odeur agréable is a Noël ancien, an old French spiritual song about
the Nativity that employs colorful, vivid imagery. Pieces like this date back
to medieval Mystery plays and they have been frequently used by French
composers in other compositions.
Poetic Translation by the arranger:
What is this lovely wondrous fragrance
Filling the air like flower’s bloom?
Is there a scent which bears resemblance?
What can describe this sweet perfume?
What is this lovely wondrous fragrance
Filling the air like flower’s bloom?
Quelle est cette odeur agréable,
Bergers, qui ravit tous nos sens?
S’exhale t’il rien de semblable
au milieu des fleurs du printemps?
Quelle est cette odeur agréable
Bergers, qui ravit tous nos sens?
Mais quelle éclatante lumière
Dans la nuit vient frapper nos yeux!
L’astre du jour, dans sa carrière,
Fûtil jamais si radieux?
Mais quelle éclatante lumière
Dans la nuit vient frapper nos yeux!
What is this light that shines so brightly,
Which in the night confronts our eyes?
Star of the day, appearing nightly,
No greater light has filled the skies!
What is this light that shines so brightly,
Which in the night confronts our eyes?
Ne craignez rein, peuple fidèle
Ecoutez l’ange du Seigneur;
Il vous annonce une nouvelle
Qui va vous combler de bonheur;
Ne craignez rein, peuple fidèle
Ecoutez l’Ange du Seigneur.
Be not afraid, ye faithful people,
Hear ye the Angel of the Lord.
Bringing the news so glad and joyful
Hear the good tidings of His word.
Be not afraid, ye faithful people,
Hear ye the Angel of the Lord.
A Bethléem, dans une crèche
Il vient de vous naître un Sauveur
Allons, que rien ne vous empêche
D’adorer votre redémpteur
A Bethléem, dans une crèche,
Il vient de vous naître un Sauveur.
In Bethlehem within a manger,
Lies a babe so weak and small.
Worship him now, he is no stranger,
He is the Savior of us all.
In Bethlehem within a manger,
Lies a babe so weak and small.
Dieu tout puissant, gloire éternelle
Vous soit rendue jus-qu’aux cieux.
Qui la paix soit universelle
Que la grâce abonde en tous lieux.
Dieu tout puissant, gloire éternelle
Vous soit rendue jus-qu’aux cieux.
Almighty God, may now all glory
Be unto you and never cease.
Tell o’er the world this wondrous story,
That it may bring eternal peace.
Almighty God, may now all glory
Be unto you and never cease.
11
Translations & Notes (cont.)
Three Latvian Carols
arr. Andrejs Jansons (b. 1938)
Latvian oboist, conductor and composer Andrejs Jansons has enjoyed a prolific
career which has taken him around the world. He was born in Riga and when he
was a baby his family fled to Germany at the onset of World War II. In 1949 his
family settled in America and he went on to earn music degrees at Julliard and the
Manhattan School of Music. Jansons has performed as principal oboist in many
leading orchestras. He is dedicated to preserving Latvian folk music and the following three arrangements are contrasting seasonal examples of his work.
Ziemassvētku nakts
Jau vieglās ēnu šūpas Tumst eglu tornis zils,
Un dzilās sniega kūpās Dus plava lauki sils.
Tik zvaninš liegā taktī kaut kur aiz meža trauc:
Varbūt ka svētku naktī kāds celnieks mājūp
brauc.
Translation:
A silent night has fallen on holy tree and
pine;
All white in snowy woolens the forest sleeps
divine.
A bell is jingling beneath the wintry dome,
A sleigh tonight is bringing a traveler back
home.
Caur dārziem aizmigušiem, Ko mīkstas
pārslas sedz,
Aiz logiem aizsnigušiem kāds gaišas sveces
dedz.
Balts celš caur tumsu lokās, Un tālē zvaigzne
māj
Kāds siltas, mīlas rokas Pār zemi svētot klāj.
Beyond untroubled gardens that sleep
beneath the snows,
Behind snow-covered windows a candle
brightly glows.
A road through darkness winding, a wondrous star above.
A soul is mending, mending, a heart is filled
with love.
Meklētāja celš
Meklētāja celš ir galā, Vakars metas, tālu iets.
Baltā ziemā svešā malā Sārti uzplaukst
blāzmas zieds.
Vai tur Ziemas svētku roze Debess dārzos
ziedus ver?
Brīnumaino krāsu kvēli Acis atdzerdamās
dzer.
Day is done and I am weary, walking on
these lonely roads;
Suddenly a blazing flower in the wintry sky
unfolds.
Lo, behold the Rose of Christmas blooming
brightly at heaven’s door,
Oh, to drink its wondrous beauty and to
yearn for more and more!
Mana debiškīgā roze, Mātes maigo roku
dēsts:
Jaukā bērnu dienu gaisma, Brīniškīgā Kristus
vēsts.
Zinu arī tavā sirdī Šonakt Kristus roze zied,
Un tu izej ziemas laukā klausīties kā zvaigznes dzied!
Rose of Christmas purest flower, childhood
melody,
Beautiful enchanted hour when my mother
sang of thee.
I do know the Rose of Christmas blooms for
you tonight;
And for you the heaven glistens peacefully,
in perfect light.
12
Ai, nama māmina
Ai, nama māmina laid mani iekšāja, kaladū,
kaladū,
Kekatas atbrauca ar vezuminīse, kaladū,
kaladū,
Kavājat īlenus kavājat suseklus, kaladū,
kaladū,
Kekatu pulkaja rāvēji lautini, kaladū, kaladū,
Nezagšu īlenu, nezagšu adatu, kaladū,
kaladū,
Susekli, to zagšu, tā mane vajaga, kaladū,
kaladū,
Kalada bērnieme galvinu su kāte, kaladū,
kaladū!
Translation:
Roasting a duck and happily humming,
kaladū, kaladū.
Roasting a duck and Christmas is coming...
Mixing a punch with a generous measure...
Mixing a punch with a cup full of pleasure...
Chopping a tree when the woods are dimming...
Propping it up and happily trimming...
Slipping away with the gifts and wrapping...
Kids want to look and the puppy is yapping...
Sitting around with a log on the fire...
Singing along with the family choir...
Bright are the lights and bright is the season...
Christ was born and that is the reason...
Cradle Hymn
Kim André Arnesen (b.1980)
Poem: Isaac Watts ( 1674-1748)
Norwegian composer Kim André Arnesen was trained at the Music Conservatory in Trondheim, Norway, and his compositions are performed by choirs
around the world. Cradle Hymn is his setting of several stanzas from Isaac
Watts’ poem Hush My Dear, Lie Still and Slumber. The piece was originally written for the Nidaros Cathedral Girls’ Choir and the setting here is the composer’s arrangement for mixed voices.
Hush! my dear, lie still and slumber;
Holy angels guard thy bed!
Heavenly blessings without number
Gently falling on thy head.
See the kindly shepherds round Him,
Telling wonders from the sky!
When they sought Him, there they found Him,
With His Virgin mother by.
See the lovely Babe a-dressing;
Lovely infant, how He smiled!
When He wept, the mother’s blessing
Soothed and hushed the holy child.
Mayst thou live to know and fear him,
Trust and love him all thy days:
Then go dwell forever near Him,
See His face and sing His praise!
13
Audience Sing-a-Long
Once in Royal David’s City
Verse 1 - soloist from GRCC - Meaghan Nuckols
Please stand and sing! Audience joins in:
He came down to earth from heaven
Who is God and Lord of all,
And his shelter was a stable,
And his cradle was a stall;
With the poor and mean and lowly
Lived on earth our Savior holy.
Jesus is our childhood’s pattern,
Day by day like us he grew,
He was little, meek and helpless,
Tears and smiles like us he knew;
And he feeleth for our sadness,
And he shareth in our gladness.
And our eyes at last shall see him,
Through his own redeeming love,
For that child so dear and gentle
Is our Lord in Heaven above.
And he leads his children on
To the place where he is gone.
Not in that poor lowly stable,
With the oxen standing by,
We shall see him but in heaven,
Set on God’s right hand on high;
When like stars his children crowned
All in white shall wait around.
14
Deck the Hall
Deck the hall with boughs of holly, fa la la la la....
Tis the season to be jolly,
Don we now our gay apparel,
Troll the ancient Yuletide carol,
See the blazing Yule before us,
Strike the harp and join the chorus,
Follow me in merry measure,
While I tell of Yuletide treasure,
Fast away the old year passes,
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses,
Sing we joyous all together,
Heedless of the wind and weather,
Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn king;
Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.
Joyful all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies,
With th’angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn king.
Christ, by highest heav’n adored,Christ the everlasting Lord.
Late in time behold him come Offspring of a virgin’s womb:
Veiled in fless the Godhead see, Hail th’incarnate Deity!
Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel,
Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn king.
Hail the heaven born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness.
Light and life to all he brings, Risen with healing in his wings;
Mild he lays his glory by, born that man no more may die.
Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!
15
Translations & Notes (cont.)
A Winter’s Night
Cecilia McDowall (b. 1951)
English composer Cecilia McDowall used five traditional European carols for
her Christmas cantata A Winter’s Night. In Dulci Jubilo was originally a combination of German and Latin texts. Traditional pieces from Germany, France,
Austria and England round out the setting.
1.
In Dulci Jubilo - 14th century German
In dulci jubilo, Now sing with hearts a glow,
Our delight and pleasure lies in praesepio,
Like sunshine is our treasure Matris in gremio
Alpha es et O, Alpha es et O.
O Patris caritas, O nati lenitas,
Deeply were we stained, per nostra crimina
But though for us has gained, Coelorum
gaudia,
O that we were there, O that we were there.
O Jesu parvule, For thee I long alway,
Comfort my heart’s blindness, O puer optime,
With all they loving kindness, O princeps
gloriae,
Trahe me post te, trahe me post te.
2.
Ubi sunt gaudia, In any place but there?
There are angels singing, Nova cantica,
And there the bells are ringing, In Regis curia.
O that we were there, O that we were there.
O Little One Sweet - 17th century German
O little one sweet, O little one mild
Thy Father’s purpose thou hast fulfilled;
Thou cam’st from Heav’n to mortal ken,
Equal to be with us poor men.
O little one sweet, O little one mild.
O little one sweet, O little one mild.
In thee love’s beauties are all distilled;
Then light in us thy love’s bright flame,
That we may give thee back the same,
O little one sweet, O little one mild.
O little one sweet, O little one mild,
With joy thou hast the whole world filled;
Thou camest here from heav’n’s domain,
To bring men comfort in their pain,
O little one sweet, O little one mild.
3.
Noël Nouvelet - 15th century French
Noël nouvelet! Noël chantons ici
Bientôt les rois, par l’étoile éclaircis
Dévotes gens, rendons à Dieu merci;
De l’orient dont ils étaient sortis.
Chantons Noël pour le Roi nouvelet:
A Bethléem, vinrent un matinet.
Noël nouvelet! Noël chantons ici.
Noël nouvelet! Noël chantons ici.
D’un oisillon après le chant j’ouï
Qui aux pasteurs disait: “Partez d’ici;
En Bethléem trouverez l’angelet.”
Noël nouvelet! Noël chantons ici.
L’un portait l’or, et l’autre myrrh aussi,
Et l’autr’encens, que faisait bon senti:
Le paradis semblait le jardinet.
Noël nouvelet! Noël chantons ici.
En Bethléem, Marie et Joseph vy,
L’âne et le boeuf, l’Enfant couché parmi;
La crêche était au lieu d’un bercelet,
Noël nouvelet! Noël chantons ici.
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4.
Still, Still, Still - 19th century Austrian
Still, still, still, weils Kindlein schlafen will!
Maria tut es niedersingen, und ihr treues
Gross, gross, gross, die Lieb ist übergross.
Herz dar bringen.
Gott hat den Himmelsthron verlassen
Still, still, still, weils Kindlein schlaffen will! und muss reisen auf der Strassen.
Gross, gross, gross, die Lieb ist übergross.
Schlaf, schlaf, schlaf, mein liebes Kindlein,
schlaf.
Wir, wir, wir, wir rufen all zu dir:
Die Eng’lein tun schön musizieren, vor
Tu uns des Himmels Reich aufschliessen,
dem Kindlein jubilieren.
wenn wir einmal sterben müssen.
Schlaf, schlaf, schlaf, mein liebes Kindlein
Wir, wir, wir, wir rufen all zu dir.
schlaf.
5.
Suzzex Carol - 17th century English
On Christmas night all Christians sing,
When sin departs before his grace,
To hear the news the angels bring,
Then life and health come in its place,
On Christmas night all Christians sing,
When sin departs before his grace,
To hear the news the angels bring.
Then life and health come in its place;
News of great joy news of great mirth,
Angels and men with joy may sing,
News of our merciful King’s birth.
All for to see the newborn king.
Then why should men on earth be so sad,
Since our Redeemer made us glad,
Then why should men on earth be so sad,
Since our Redeemer made us glad.
When from our sin he set us free,
All for to gain our liberty.
All out of darkness we have light,
Which made the angels sing this night,
All out of darkness we have light,
Which made the angels sing this night.
Glory to God and peace to men,
Now and forevermore, Amen.
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About GRCC
Hailed as one of Richmond Virginia’s “most acclaimed musical exports,” the Greater
Richmond Children’s Choir has sung in over 40 languages on four continents and is
internationally recognized for its excellence and diversity. Under the leadership of
founding artistic director Hope Armstrong Erb, GRCC offers boys and girls, ages 8 to
18, the opportunity to excel through the graduated study and performance of highquality choral music with the Richmond area’s finest vocal ensemble for youth. GRCC
rehearses weekly at Grace & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, next door to the Altria
Theater. With generous support from the Richmond community and beyond, GRCC
is able to offer tuition and travel scholarships to more than one-third of choristers,
making the program accessible to all.
GRCC is recognized as one of this country’s best choirs, having been selected to
perform at the prestigious national and regional conventions of the American Choral
Directors Association. Visit the choir’s website grcchoir.org or the table in the lobby to
learn more about the choir and purchase CDs.
GRCC Conductor
Hope Armstrong Erb is an active conductor, pianist, composer and teacher in the
Richmond area since 1975. As a pianist she performs frequently and enthusiastically
with both instrumentalists and vocalists, and has been hailed for her “innate
musicianship and graceful style” as well as her “robust, rhythmic, and excellent playing.”
She has served on the music faculties of Virginia Commonwealth University and
the University of Richmond, and has taught in public and private schools K-12. She
maintains a private studio where she teaches piano, voice, theory, and composition,
and coaches and accompanies instrumentalists and vocalists for auditions and
competitions. Many of her former students now enjoy successful careers as
performers, composers and teachers. Hope is the YWCA’s 2016 Outstanding Woman
in the Arts, awarded to her for her “significant achievement, leadership, impact on the
community, and commitment to social equality.”
“When we teach our children to sing others’ songs, to see that no person or culture is
more important or less important than another, to embrace rather than fear those who
look and sound different from us, and to understand that we cannot sing in tune until
we have lifted up all our sisters and brothers - then, we are on the road to peace.”
Hope Armstrong Erb, Founding Artistic Director, Greater Richmond Children’s Choir
Pro Arte Choir
Sopranos
Samantha André
Grace Crislip
Faith Henderson
Dominique Pierre-Louis
Sharita Shamim
Lily West
Altos
Nina Krishna
Meaghan Nuckols
Katherine Pierre-Louis
Lauren Relaford
Sarabeth Roberts
Naomi Simon
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Cavalieri Choir
Tenors
Brock Henderson
Xander Martin
William Mills
Chip Williford
Basses
Emmett Coleman
Owen Peck
About James River Singers
Founded in 1995 and reorganized in 2001, James River Singers is a classical chamber
choir dedicated to presenting high-quality choral concerts within and beyond the
Richmond, Virginia, community. The members are volunteers selected by audition. The
choir’s repertoire includes a cappella and accompanied repertoire from a wide variety
of style periods and musical traditions. James River Singers is widely admired for its
creative programming and musical excellence and has performed in a number of
distinguished concert series in the Richmond and Washington, D.C., areas. For audition
information, call 757-814-5446 or visit the choir’s website at
www.thejamesriversingers.org.
JRS Conductor
David Pedersen became the artistic director and conductor of the James River Singers
in 2011 after having joined the ensemble as a singer in 2007. Mr. Pedersen serves
as director of music at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Richmond, Virginia, where he
conducts adult and youth choirs. He is also the director of the University of Richmond
Women’s Chorale and served as interim director of Schola Cantorum in 2011. He
frequently serves as a clinician and adjudicator at choral festivals.
Mr. Pedersen has previously directed the music programs at Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Catholic Church in Newport News, Virginia, and Risen Christ Catholic Community in
Boise, Idaho. He founded and directed the Honor Choir, Women’s Chorale and Classical
Guitar Ensemble at Bishop Kelly High School in Boise, Idaho, from 2003 to 2006.
Ensembles under his direction have earned top ratings at festivals and competitions,
and have performed on concert tours of the United States as well as Austria, Czech
Republic, Slovak Republic and Hungary. In 2006 his high school choirs were invited
to perform in Austria and Czech Republic for the celebration of the 250th anniversary
of Mozart’s birth. Mr. Pedersen holds Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees
from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. He is a member of the American
Choral Director’s Association and the Church Music Association of America.
Soprano
Lizzie Barnett
Kathryn Elliott
Becky Hopkins
Claudia Kessel
Suzanne Mathias
Kerrissa MacPherson
Laura Pendelton
Liesel Reussner
Deep Sawhney
Katy Stockdon
Alto
Judy Carboni
Allison Fletcher
Becky Harper
Alison Linas
Alana Marsh
Sarah Paxton
Jessica Pedersen
Daniel Ripperton
Amanda Simon
Wei Styer
Tenor
John Alley
Tim Drummond
Daniel Goldschmidt
Steve Linas
Matt Reynolds
Jay Utz
Bass
Will Conn
Joel Coreas
Martin Erb
Terry Kidd
Bryan Myers
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James River Singers 2016-17 Season
David Pedersen, Artistic Director and Conductor
Daniel Stipe, Organ
Keith Tan, Rehearsal Pianist
Greater Richmond Children’s Choir 2016-17 Season
Hope Armstrong Erb, Founding Artistic Director
Anne Williford, Executive Director
Pete Curry & Crystal Jonkman, Associate Music Directors
Concert Instrumentalists
Beth Almore, cello
Marcey Leonard, flute
Mike Davison, trumpet
John Scott, trumpet
Mark La Fratta, trombone
Stephanie Ycaza, tuba
Tim Drummond, percussion
Daniel Goldschmidt, percussion
Pete Curry, percussion
Keith Tan, piano
Special Thanks
This performance has been made possible by generous support from
the Allan and Margot Blank Foundation, the Carpenter Foundation and
the Cable Foundation.
We also wish to thank:
Rev. Michael Pottschmidt and Trinity Lutheran Church (concert venue)
Rev. Hilary Smith and Church of the Holy Comforter (concert venue)
Bob Gallagher and River Road Church, Baptist (rehearsal venue)
Jeff Riehl and University of Richmond’s Dept. of Music (music loan)
James River Singers’ Board of Directors
Jennifer Cable, President Martin Erb
Jessica Pedersen, Treasurer Charles O’Neal
Tori Drummond, Recording Secretary Danielle Ripperton
David Pedersen, Artistic Director