NEC Presents: Holiday Chorus Concert

Program:

Felix Bernard (arr. Paul Ayres) | Winter Wonderland

NEC Chamber Singers & Friends

Ola Gjeilo | Tundra (2011/2020)

“The lyrics for Tundra were written by Charles Anthony Silvestri, specifically for this work. I asked him to write a text based on the title, and some photos of a part of my native Norway that is very dear to me; the Hardangervidda mountain plateau. It’s pretty close to where my father grew up, a ski resort town called Gjeilo, in the mountains between Oslo and Bergen. The area is quite barren, and intensely beautiful. It is easy to feel that you are treading on sacred land, which Tony so wonderfully expresses in his text.” – Ola Gjeilo

NEC Community Chorus

Elaine Hagenberg | The Music of Stillness (2017)

This work highlights a poem by Sara Teasdale which, on the surface, depicts a beautiful winter scene.  However the text is an allegory that reflects her reclusiveness and solitude; she committed suicide shortly after completing the poem.

2020 has been difficult for so many, including those within our NEC community, and the holidays can sometimes make many feel overwhelmed and isolated. This program selection is a reminder to any who struggle with mental health issues they are not alone, and they are loved.

NEC Community Chorus
Da-Yu Liu, piano

Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard | Believe from “The Polar Express”

The members of the NEC Preparatory School National Youth Chorale Festival Singers selected this piece. The text is lovely, and apropos for their current life experiences.

Chamber Ensemble
NEC Preparatory School National Youth Chorale Festival Singers