This preview was provided by Carolina Pro Musica.
Carolina Pro Musica presents the annual Christmas at St. Mary’s concerts on December 12, 2015. A variation on a Lessons and Carol Service, the ensemble invites the audience to participate on several familiar selections, in this case, carols with 18th century connections. The rest of the program features works by Handel, Bach, Crüger and lesser known composers Michel Corrette and Lucrezia Orsina Vizanna.
No program would be complete without chant so we begin with the familiar “Veni, Emanuel”, an Advent hymn known to most as “O come, O Come Emmanuel” as set by British hymnographer John Neale and published in 1851. It is a paraphrase of the “Great O Antiphons” and our audience gets to sing the refrain in Latin. Other works for audience participation include “Sleeper’s Wake”, “Good Christian Men, rejoice and “O come all ye Faithful.” Selections from Bach’s Magnificat and Handel’s Messiah offer familiar music.
The story of Christ including prophecy, birth, visits by the shepherds and kings and the incarnation are told by Bob Sweeten, actor and longtime radio personality on the Bob & Sheri syndicated morning show that originates in Charlotte. Readings are scripture and poetry including works by Isaac Watts.
Carolina Pro Musica appears in period attire and performs on period instruments including harpsichord, 18th c. flutes and recorders, viola da gamba with voices.
The concerts are held at historic St. Mary’s Chapel, an 1892 structure in Gothic Revival style, formerly part of the Thompson Orphanage, now owned by the city of Charlotte. Two performances are offered on the same evening – one at 7:00 pm and the other at 8:30 pm.
Karen Hite Jacob
Tickets and additional information can be found at www.carolinapromusica.org.
Carolina Pro Musica
December 12, 2015 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM
Historic St. Mary’s Chapel
1129 East Third Street, Charlotte, NC 28204
www.carolinapromusica.org
