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Festival Christmas Concert and Celebration 2019
Saturday, December 7, 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM PST
$50
Festival Christmas Concert and Celebration
Saturday, December 7, 2:30-5:00
Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, and Larson Hall
$50 per person, to benefit the Mendocino Music Festival adult education department.
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Join us in the warm redwood embrace of the lovely 1904 sanctuary for the first half of the concert, in which the Festival Chorale, directed by Jenny Matteucci, will present music ranging from contemplative, to joyous, and to the sublimely beautiful. Pieces include Ola Gjeilo’s ethereal arrangement of “The Holly and the Ivy,” selections from Francis Poulenc’s 4 Motets pour le temps del Noël, and the lively “Noel” by Gordan Thornett. Some of the music has glorious organ accompaniments, which will be performed by Daniel Lockert.
After the first half of the concert we’ll walk next door to Larson Hall for a party, in celebration of the season, music, and each other. Harmonique Wines will generously provide the drink and there will be delicious nibbles from Noyo Harbor Inn and Restaurant. At 4:00 the audience will be seated in the hall for the second half of the concert, to be treated to music from jazzy, to nostalgic, to just plain fun. You’ll hear Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” a John Rutter arrangement of “Deck the Hall,” Donald Moore’s “Thirty Second Fa La La,” and more. The concert will end with a rousing rendition of “Go Tell it on the Mountain.”
We’ll pass some plates of sweets, and send you on your way, filled with the spirit of Christmas—peace on earth and goodwill to all.
The Mendocino Music Festival Chamber Chorale, directed by Festival Chorus Master Jenny Matteucci, was formed in 2018 as an offshoot of the much larger Festival Chorus, members of which were invited to audition.
According to Festival Artistic Director Allan Pollack, “I’ve been touched by the dedication of the members of the Festival Chorus, and so have wanted to create an opportunity for people who are ready to take their choral singing to the next level.” Festival Chorus Master Jenny Matteucci reports, “It is a joy to work with a group of singers who are willing to do the hard work on vocal technique in order to make increasingly excellent and inspiring music together.” Members are Randy Knutson, Pamela Hudson, Linda Perry, Cynthia Frank, Robin Knutson, Ana Lucas, Elaine Wing Hillesland, Evelyn Harris, Jo Britton, Cathy Boxell, Jason Kirkman, John Dixon, Jim Blanton, Eric Hillesland, Andria Richey, Paul Friesen, Kathy O’Shea and James Sibbet.
In September the Festival was pleased to begin to offer classes in voice technique and sight-reading, taught by Jenny Mateucci and Daniel Lockert. On February 8 we’ll present a lecture, by Kayleen Asbo, giving an overview of women composers spanning three centuries.