This program features:
Handel and Haydn Youth Chorus Chamber Choir
Alyson Greer Espinosa, conductor; Andrew Milne, assistant conductor; Dr. Pei-yeh Tsai, collaborative pianist
Anon. (16th c.), arr. David Willcocks: Ding dong! Merrily on High
Gaspar Fernandez: Xicochi xicochi
Reena Esmail: The Unexpected Early Hour, from A Winter Breviary
Trad., arr. James McKelvy: Deck the Halls (in 7/8)
Isaac Watts, arr. John Rutter: Joy to the World
New England Brass Band Septet
Mark Olson, Music Director
Meredith Wilson: It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
Arr. Thomas Root: Traditional Carols:
Creator of the Stars Of Night
Good King Wenceslas
Gabriel's Message
Arr. Thomas Root: Tarnished Brass Christmas:
Jingle Bells
O Christmas Tree
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
Deck the Halls
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Ding Dong Merrily on High
Blue Heron
Scott Metcalfe, Artistic Director
Lionel Power (c. 1380–1445): Ibo michi ad montem mire
sung by Kim Leeds, Jason McStoots, Sumner Thompson
Anonymous (15th c.): Nowel! Owt of your slepe aryse and wake
sung by Sophie Michaux, Clare McNamara, Kim Leeds
John Paul McGee and his Trio
John Paul McGee, piano; Tyson Jackson, drums; Yoni Ben Ari, bass
Harry Simeone, Katherine K. Davis: Little Drummer Boy
Robert Wells, Mel Tormé: The Christmas Song
Trad., arr. John Paul McGee: What Child is This
Norman Hutchins: Emmanuel
Renaissance Men
Alfred Burt: Some Children See Him
Trad.: In dulci jubilo
Trad., arr. David Wright: Mary Had a Baby
Steve Nelson, Walter Rollins, arr. Rob Campbell: Frosty the Snowman
Paul John Rudoi: Cantate Domino
John Paul McGee Trio, Renaissance Men and Handel and Haydn Youth Chorus Chamber Choir
Trad., arr. Gary Motley: God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen
Download more program details and performer bios here.
GBH Music events like this one are made possible by contributions from listeners like you. Please visit gbh.org/supportevents to make a donation.
Experience the magic of this season with GBH Music's Holiday Spectacular, an enchanting evening featuring some of the best musical acts in Massachusetts. The event offers families a front-row seat to an unparalleled lineup of performers, including Renaissance Men, a Boston-based ensemble of ten male voices known for their close-knit a cappella harmonies; Blue Heron, a medieval vocal ensemble led by Scott Metcalfe which will bring audiences back to the sounds of the earliest holiday celebrations; pianist John Paul McGee, who will perform holiday favorites in his signature "Gospejazzical" genre; the angelic singers of the Handel and Haydn Youth Chorus Chamber Choir led by conductor Alyson Greer Espinosa; and members of the triumphant and jubilant New England Brass Band led by Music Director Mark Olson.
One of the most accessible events for families this season, GBH Music's Holiday Spectacular, invites music lovers to be part of a live studio production inside GBH's Calderwood Studio, which will glow with festive cheer, including a dramatic snowscape of light designed to herald the start of winter. Musical selections will transport listeners into an unforgettable journey into the holiday spirit with everything from traditional carols to new compositions, each capturing the harmony and passion of this special time of year. WCRB Classical 99.5's charismatic morning drive host, Laura Carlo, and afternoon drive host, Greg Ferrisi, will team up for the first time as the live presenters of this one-of-a-kind holiday experience.
This event is offered for both in-person and virtual guests. You have two ticket options:
The in-studio experience is taking place from 7:30 to 9pm ET is SOLD OUT
Join the virtual event, from 7:30-9pm ET. This event is free, but registration is required.
Photo credit: A scene from the GBH’s 2018 Holiday Concert in Calderwood Studio (Meredith Nierman)
The event is sponsored by the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund and The Boston Foundation.
