As this special season gets underway, all the stores are filled with Christmas music to put us in the right spirit. You might not even notice the music since you’re so busy concentrating on buying all of the necessary food and gifts for Christmas. But, the music often tells the story of this season and helps us capture its true spirit. So, I invite you to come for an evening of Christmas music presented by either the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale this coming Friday, 14 December, beginning at 8:00pm, or VoxAmadeus next Sunday, 16 December, beginning at 4:00pm; both will surely put you into the spirit of Christmas!
We’re happy to welcome back the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale for a third year. Accompanied by a small but versatile instrumental ensemble, the 90 boys and 45 adults that comprise the choir and chorale will trace the story of the Nativity through a variety of songs, both traditional and not-so-traditional. You will surely experience the joy of Christmas as you listen to these boys and men singing like choirs of angels!
And, we’re delighted to have VoxAmaDeus, conducted by our own Valentin Radu, return once again; this will be their 32nd concert season! Accompanied by an authentic Baroque instrument ensemble and led by several splendid soloists, a 50-voice chorus will present the Handel Messiah. Those of you who attend Mass this weekend will hear in the Gospel the passage that John the Baptist quoted from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah: “Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth.” You will hear these same words sung with great power and emotion in the second aria of next Sunday’s performance, which includes arias, recitatives and chorus presentations of a selection of passages from the Bible that recall the prophecies of our Lord’s coming and proclaim his birth, death and resurrection and the salvation that is offered to his faithful. This powerful presentation will not only prepare you for Christmas but lead you through all of Salvation History!
This Advent Season is a time of eager anticipation. For many, it’s waiting for just that one gift on Christmas day. But, the origin of our celebration is what was foretold by the prophets of old and announced to Mary by the Archangel Gabriel: the birth of our Savior, who would die for us, be raised to new life, ascend to the Father’s right hand and return again in glory! Both the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale and the VoxAmaDeus Ensemble will help you to get into the true spirit of this season; I hope to see you at either or both performances! Ticket information is available elsewhere in this Parish Bulletin as well as at the church entrances.