ILLUMINATIONS: HOLIDAY MUSIC FROM THE AMERICAS
Saturday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 18 at 3 p.m.
Christ Episcopal Church, 310 North K Street, Tacoma, WA
Northwest Repertory Singers Mission
To lift voices in song: creating art and fostering community through choral music.
About the Concert
The links below open in a new window:
Greetings from the Artistic Director (December 2022)
About Northwest Repertory Singers (NWRS)
About the NWRS Artistic Director and Collaborative Pianist
The online content below differs from the paper program available at our concert. Below we include texts and translations and expanded sponsorship dedications. A PDF of the paper program, which includes donor recognition for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, is available here.
PROGRAM
This Endris Night
Words: 15th-century carol, England
Music: Sarah Quartel (b. 1982), Canada
Rebecca Corbaley, Bonnie Matterand, and Karen Short, handbells
| This endris night I saw a sight, A star as bright as day, And ever among, a maiden sung, “Lully, by by, lullay.” This lovely lady sat and sang, And to her child did say, “My son, my brother, father dear, Why liest thou thus in hay?” “My sweetest bird, ’tis thus required, Though I be king veray, But nevertheless I will not cease To sing ‘By by, lullay.'” The child then spake whilst she did sing, And to his mother did say, “Yea, I am known as heaven-king In crib though I be laid. For angels bright down on me light; Thou knowest ’tis no nay. And for that sight thou may delight To sing ‘By by, lullay.'” Now sweet son, since it is so, That all is at thy will, I pray thee grant to me a boon, If it be right and skill, That child or man, who will or can, Be merry on my day, To bliss them bring and I shall sing, “Lully, by by, lullay.” |
Season of Light
Words and music: Jacob Narverud (b. 1986), United States
Sponsored by Christine Hall: “I dedicate this song to Kyle Haugen, our amazingly talented Artistic Director, for his leadership and dedication in keeping the NWRS light shining in the very dark pandemic time. I am so grateful! The line in the music that says, “we live in the memories, the season of light,” makes me think of all the time the NWRS sang apart/virtually, and all the time we sang together with masks on. I kept thinking, “I can’t wait until we can sing together unburdened by the masks, when our true sound can shine again.” During our fall retreat, it was appropriate that Season of Light was the first song that we sang in this beautiful sanctuary. At that very moment when I heard our sound for the first time together without masks I literally broke down and wept…so grateful for being surrounded by my NWRS family and enveloped with this gorgeous sound. I am deeply thankful to Kyle for getting us through the darkness to the light.”
| Come sit by the fire and share stories of old, Bright visions of time and of wonders we’re told. Surrounded by comfort and stillness of night, We live in the memories of the season of light. Come join in the cheer of the fresh falling snow, where wonder and radiance set hearts all aglow. For a moment on Earth all that’s wrong turns to right and we’re warm in e spirit of the season of light. |
Stars I Shall Find
Words: Sarah Teasdale (1884–1933), United States
Music: Victor C. Johnson (b. 1978), United States
| There will be rest, and sure stars shining Over the roof-tops crowned with snow, A reign of rest, serene forgetting, The music of stillness holy and low. I will make this world of my devising Out of a dream in my lonely mind. I shall find the crystal of peace, above me, Stars I shall find. |
The Huron Carol
Words: Jean de Brébeuf (1593–1649), Canada
Translation: Jesse E. Middleton (1872–1960), Canada
Melody: 16th-century folk song, France
Setting: Dan Forrest (b. 1978), United States
Katie Devore, soprano
| Jesous Ahatonhia. [Jesus in born.] ‘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 hunter heard the hymn: Refrain: “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 Enwrapp’d His beauty round; But as the hunter braves drew nigh, The angel song rang loud and high. Refrain O children of the forest free, O sons of Manitou, 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. Refrain |
Mary Had a Baby
Words and melody: 19th-century African American spiritual
Setting: Roland Carter (b. 1942), United States
Karin Bean, soprano
| Mary had a baby. Oh, my Lord! Where was he born? Born in a manger low. What did they call him? Some call him one thing, But I’ll call him another. Some say Immanuel. I’ll call him Sweet Little Jesus Boy. He is called King Jesus. Wonderful Counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. He’s the Prince of Peace. |
Go Tell It on the Mountain
Words and melody: 19th-century African American spiritual
Setting: Roland Carter
Erica Schlecht, soprano
Melanie Schockow, soprano
| Refrain: Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills an ev’ry where; Go tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is a’born. When I was a seeker, I sought both night and day. I asked the Lord to help me, and he showed me the way. Refrain He made me a watchman Upon the city wall, And if I am a Christian I am the least of all. Refrain Shepherds lay a’watching Their flock on starry night. An angel of the Lord came And shone a holy light. Refrain |
Fantasy for organ on ANTIOCH (Joy to the World)
Melody: c. 19th century, England
Setting: Emma Lou Diemer (b. 1927), United States
Kyle S. Haugen, organ
-A brief pause-
I Saw Three Ships
Words and melody: 18th-century carol, England
Setting: Audrey Snyder (b. 1953), United States
| I saw three ships come sailing in, On Christmas day, on Christmas day, I saw three ships come sailing in, On Christmas day in the morning. And what was in those ships all three? On Christmas day… Our Savior Christ and his lady On Christmas day… Pray whither sailed those ships all three? On Christmas day… Oh, they sailed into Bethlehem, On Christmas day… And all the bells on earth shall ring, On Christmas day… |
A la Nanita Nana (from Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest)
Words: Juan Francisco Muñoz y Pabón (1866–1920), Spain
Melody: José Ramón Gomis (1856–1939), Spain
Setting: Conrad Susa (1935–2013), United States
| A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea, mi niño tiene sueño, bendito sea, bendito sea. A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea, mi niño tiene sueño, bendito sea, bendito sea. Fuentecita que corre clara y sonora, ruiseñor que en la selva cantando llora: calla mientras la cuna se balancea, a la nanita nana, nanita ea. | Lullaby, lullaby, lullaby -by my baby’s sleepy, bless him, bless him. Lullaby, lullaby, lullaby -by my baby’s sleepy, bless him, bless him. Little spring bubbling clear and loud, nightingale singing plaintively in the forest: keep quiet while the cradle rocks to and fro, lullaby, lullaby, lullaby -by. |
I Will Light Candles this Christmas
Words: Howard Thurman (1899–1981), United States
Music: Kim André Arnesen (b. 1980), Norway
Sponsored by Karen Short
in memory of Rev. Jon Short,
and those who we remember
and whose light was gone too soon.
| I will light Candles this Christmas, Candles of joy despite all the sadness, Candles of hope where despair keeps watch, Candles of courage for fears ever present, Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days, Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens, Candles of love to inspire all my living, Candles that will burn all year long. When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace among others, To make music in the heart. |
The Gift
Words: Tony Vincent Isaacs, United Kingdom
Melody: 19th-century Shaker melody, United States
Setting: Bob Chilcott (b. 1955), United Kingdom
| In the gift we deliver, in the gift we receive Is the living spirit Mary did conceive, The royal gift of love, incandescent flame, Is given to all mankind in his name. Joy, joy it is our true delight To give and receive on this wondrous night. A boy child to Mary is born And his light will shine on beyond the dawn. |
Night of Wonder
Words: Paul E. Hoffman (b. 1956), United States
Music: Karen E. Black (b. 1960), United States
| What have we to ponder on this night of wonder? Bethlehem’s stillness, starry night. Gentle snow, world shimm’ring bright. Still our minds that we might gently think on this. Beauty, Wonder. Ponder this; ponder hope. What have we to ponder on this night of wonder? Mary, Joseph’s dauntless faith. Infant one ordained for grace. Still our souls that we, as they, will think on this. Faith and grace. Ponder this; ponder love. What have we to ponder on this night of wonder? Angels’ chorus, shepherd’s awe. Sacred space, yet cattle stall. Tune our hearts that they may sing and think on this. Timeless gift. Ponder hope. Ponder love. |
Night of Silence
Words and music: Daniel Kantor (b. 1960), United States
Setting: Daniel Kantor and John Ferguson (b. 1941), United States
“Silent Night”
Words: Joseph Mohr (1792–1848), Austria
Translation: John F. Young (1820–1885), United States
Melody: Franz Gruber (1787–1863), Austria
| Cold are the people, winter of life. We tremble in shadows this cold endless night. Frozen in the snow lie roses sleeping, Flowers that will echo the sunrise. Fire of hope is our only warmth. Weary, its flame will be dying soon. Voice in the distance, call in the night, On wind you enfold us, you speak of the light. Gentle on the ear you whisper softly Rumors of a dawn so embracing. Breathless love awaits darkened souls, Soon will we know of the morning. Spirit among us, shine like the star. Your light that guides shepherds and kings from afar. Shimmer in the sky so empty, lonely, Rising in the warmth of your Son’s love. Star unknowing of night and day, Spirit we wait for your loving Son. When directed, please join the choir to sing: Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin mother and child! Holy infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace! Sleep in heavenly peace! |
¡Fum, Fum, Fum!
Words and melody: c. 16th-century carol, Catalonia
Setting: Conrad Susa
| On December five and twenty, Fum, Fum, Fum! For the love of us is giv’n The holy Infant, son of Hea’vn. Of the Virgin, Joseph’s bride, To all the earth good will betiding, Fum, Fum, Fum! Little birds from out the forest, Fum, Fum, Fum! All your fledglings leave behind, Go seek the Savior, Savior kind. Come and build a lovely nest, To warm the lovely baby bless’d. Fum, Fum, Fum! Little stars up in the heavens, Fum, Fum, Fum! If you see the Baby cry, O, do not answer with a sigh! Rather, lighten up the sky With heaven’s beams of radiant brightness. Fum, Fum, Fum! |
Contact NWRS
Get in touch: contact@nwrs.org
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