2024-2025 Concert Season
Christmas with
The Phil:
Snow Day
15 December 2024
3 pm & 7 pm
Crescent Arts Centre (Crescent Fort Rouge United Church)
SEASON PARTNER:
Fettes Family Foundation
CONCERT SPONSOR:
Jason Braun, The Pollack Braun Blatt Advisory Group at CIBC Wood Gundy
ORGAN MUSIC PARTNER:
BMRBPIPEORGAN Inc.
SEASON MEDIA SPONSOR:
Golden West Radio/Classic 107
MEDIA PARTNER:
CJNU 93.7 FM
Today's concerts are also supported by:
a gift made in loving memory of Edward & Hannah Penner and Peter & Kathie Dyck
a gift made by Viktor & Betty Loewen “in Memory of our beautiful daughter, Kimberly Jane Hoban, Dec. 31, 1966 - Dec. 30, 2023”
PLEASE SILENCE YOUR PHONES
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PLEASE DIM YOUR SCREEN
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PLEASE SILENCE YOUR PHONES 〰️ PLEASE DIM YOUR SCREEN 〰️
CONCERT PROGRAM
Program notes written by chorister and Phil Program Committee Co-Chair Arlene Petkau
Snow Whispers
Music and Text by Gala Flagello
American composer Gala Flagello (b. 1994) has become a prominent composer and educator for new music. Written in 2013, her tempo markings for this piece are contemporary as well: “Like steady snowfall – ♩ = 84 ”. Each voice enters with a pulsing, rhythmic depiction of “snow” and “snowfall”. The piece invites both singers and listeners to contemplate themes of love, memory and nature’s quiet power in the depth of winter.
Winter Sun
Music by Don Macdonald, Poetry by Malca Litovitz
Canadian composer Don Macdonald (b. 1941) has captured the stark beauty of snow and the introspective quality of winter with this evocative choral work. With delicate harmonies and contrasting dynamics, the piece explores both the bright sunlight and the deep darkness of our prairie winters. Macdonald has set this piece to the poem, Winter Sun, by Canadian poet Malca Litovitz (1952-2005). Her poetry is rich in metaphor, painting a picture of resilience and hope in the middle of a deep, cold winter. Macdonald both opens and closes this work with the lyrics, “To light, to water,” which is the title of Litovitz’s poetry collection in which her poem, Winter Sun, first appeared. Macdonald currently lives in Nelson, BC and teaches at Selkirk College in its Contemporary Music and Technology program.
Away In A Manger
Music by Lucy Walker, Text Anon. 19th century
Born in England in 1998, yes, in 1998, Lucy Walker is an award-winning composer, pianist and music educator currently based in Cambridge, England. She composed this new setting of the familiar carol in 2023. “This setting reflects the sometimes-forgotten humility and darkness of the nativity scene, using a folk-like minor-mode refrain, and by capturing the lilting atmosphere of a lullaby,” writes Walker. “The final verse shows a more grounded feeling of hope through the use of the major inflection, featuring lighter and warmer tonal colours as we turn our thoughts ‘heaven’-wards.” Walker is currently the composer-in-residence for St. Martin’s Voices at St. Martin-in-the-Fields.
Rejoice, Rejoice This Happy Morn
Music by John Ferguson, Based on “Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern” by Philipp Nicolai (1556-1608)
Vijay Chalasani, Viola
This vibrant and joyous choral arrangement by American composer, organist and educator John Ferguson (b. 1941) celebrates the joy of Christ’s birth. Based on Philipp Nicolai’s German hymn tune, this setting weaves the traditional tune with contemporary harmonies and fresh rhythms. Ferguson has also written a part for viola which adds an additional expressive dimension to this familiar 15th century melody.
SINGALONG
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O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him Born the King of Angels:
O come, let us adore Him, (3x) Christ the Lord.God of God, Light of Light
Lo, He abhors not the Virgin’s womb
Very God, begotten, not created
O come, let us adore Him, (3x) Christ the Lord.Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of Heaven above!
Glory to God, glory in the highest:
O come, let us adore Him, (3x) Christ the Lord.Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning;
Jesu, to thee be glory given!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!
O come, let us adore Him, (3x) Christ the Lord.
Wes Elias, organ
Winter Song
Words and Music by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson, Arranged by Mac Huff
Performed with Winnipeg Mennonite School Singers
Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson are American singer-songwriters and composers born one day apart in 1979. Their piece opens with a delicate piano intro, setting a calm and reflective tone. As voices join in conversation, the lyrics express the universal themes of love and warmth in the midst of cold and dark winter months. The simple refrain, “This is my winter song to you,” captures a time for reflection, connection and hope during this winter season.
See Amid The Winter’s Snow
Music by John Goss, Words by E. Caswall, Arranged by David Willcocks
Performed with Winnipeg Mennonite School Singers
This well-known English carol by John Goss (1800-1880) with words by E. Caswall (1814-1878) was first published and performed in 1871. The hymn’s text is a celebration of the birth of Christ, emphasizing the wonder and mystery of the Nativity. The opening phrase, “See amid the winter’s snow, Born for us on earth below,” sets the tone for the piece, contrasting the depth of winter with the warmth and hope offered by Christ’s birth. David Willcocks (1919-2015) is widely considered one of the most influential figures in 20th-century choral music. His arrangement here marries the traditional hymn with festive choral writing.
SINGALONG
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Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies
With th’angelic host proclaim “Christ is born in Bethlehem”
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”Christ, by highest heav’n adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord,
Late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, hail th’incarnate Deity.
Pleased with us in flesh to dwell; Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”Hail, the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings, ris’n with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by, born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth.
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Wes Elias, organ
Winnipeg Mennonite School Singers
Conductors: Karen Tole-Henderson and Sheralyn Friesen
Accompanist: Lorena Penner
Guitarist: Dan Wiebe
Tiny Little Baby Born In Bethlehem – Cynthia Gray
3 French Nöels – Ruth Elaine Schram
Sweet Silent Night – Andy Beck
What A Glorious Night – Casey Brown, Jonathan Smith, Ben McDonald & David Frey
SINGALONG
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It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth, To touch their harps of gold,
“Peace on the earth, goodwill to men From heav’n’s all gracious King.” The world in solemn stillness lay, To hear the angels sing.Still through the cloven skies they come, With peaceful wings unfurl’d,
And still their heav’nly music floats O’er all the weary world:
Above its sad and lowly plains They bend on hov’ring wing.
And ever o’er its Babel sounds The blessed angels sing.For lo! The days are hast’ning on, By prophets seen of old,
When with the ever-circling years, Shall come the time foretold,
When the new heav’n and earth shall own The Prince of Peace their King,
And the whole world send back the song Which now the angels sing.
Wes Elias, organ
Benedicamus Domino
Music by Peter Warlock
England’s Peter Warlock (1894-1930) wrote this celebratory choral piece in 1929. It is short, it is striking and it highlights Warlock’s deep interest in early music and medieval traditions. With a Latin text that translates to “Let us bless the Lord,” Warlock uses syncopations and dynamic contrasts to convey a spirit of joyous praise. Gloria!
Nöel Nouvelet
Music by Georges Moineau
This lively and joyous French Christmas carol is set to music by French composer and conductor Georges Moineau (1889-1969). The carol itself, with the title translated as “New Noel” or “New Christmas”, dates back to the late 15th century with origins in French medieval and folk music. Moineau’s setting reflects this fresh and celebratory message of Christ’s birth with syncopated accents and lively rhythms. The repetition of the “Nöel, Nöel!” refrains creates a certain call-and-response effect, inviting all audiences to participate in the celebration of the season.
Snowfall
Music by Claude Thornhill, Lyrics by Ruth Thornhill, Arranged by Roger Emerson
This jazz standard was originally written in 1941 by the jazz legend Claude Thornhill (1908-1965) with lyrics by his wife, Ruth Thornhill (1916-2002). It was later recorded by The Manhattan Transfer with its distinctly-smooth vocal style. The Thornhills have captured the beauty and the quiet majesty of a gentle winter snowfall with the phrase, “Snowflakes whisper ‘neath my window.” May we have many of these gentle winter snowfalls this winter in Manitoba!
SINGALONG
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Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king; Let every heart prepare him room, and heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.Joy to the world, the Saviour reigns! Let men their songs employ While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains, repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove The glories of his righteousness, and wonders of his love, And wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love.
Wes Elias, organ
Three Holiday Songs from Home Alone
Music by John Williams, Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse
Somewhere In My Memory
Star Of Bethlehem
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
Originally composed in 1990 for the much-loved movie Home Alone, legendary American composer and conductor John Williams (b. 1932) transports audiences to the magical wintery world of childlike wonder with these three choral pieces. “Somewhere In My Memory” is perhaps the most iconic piece in this suite. Its gentle melody and rich harmonies capture the magic of childhood memories and Christmas traditions. “Star of Bethlehem” reminds us of a deeper meaning of the holiday season while “Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas” concludes the suite with energy and good cheer for one and all!
GUEST ARTISTS
Wes Elias, organ
Wes Elias is an active Winnipeg musician who works as a private music teacher, performer, RCM examiner and church musician. He has served as organist at St. Andrew’s River Heights United Church since 2009. Prior to this he was Music Director at Broadway-First Baptist Church for 17 years. Primary organ studies were with Douglas Bodle at the University of Toronto. Other organ teachers have included Winnifred Sim, Peter Letkemann and Lawrence Ritchey. He has appeared on numerous occasions with the Phil.
Vijay Chalasani, viola
South Asian-American violist, arts administrator, and educator Vijay Chalasani enjoys a varied freelance career in Winnipeg’s bustling music scene. He is in his second year as Manager of the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir, where he works with Maestro Yuri Klaz and the Phil’s volunteer board to plan and produce the choir’s annual three-concert season. He is a frequent performer with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and teaches with both the Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts and Suzuki Music Winnipeg. Vijay will serve as Artist in Residence with the Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado in the 2024-2025 season, where he will curate and perform in multiple programs as guest soloist and director as well as give workshops and lectures throughout the year both virtually and in-person in Denver. Originally from Northern California’s sunny shores, Vijay became a permanent resident of Canada in 2023 and is grateful to now reside on Treaty One territory in Winnipeg with his wife Ruth Denton and their puppy Nellie.
Winnipeg Mennonite School Singers
The Winnipeg Mennonite School Singers from the Bedson and Katherine Friesen campuses are honoured to perform with the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir. Grade 4 - 8 students who love to sing are welcome to join this volunteer choir. The Singers rehearse at their school for approximately one hour per week. The choirs perform at school concerts, chapels and community outreach events. It has been a pleasure for the two groups to unite for this special occasion. Music has always played an important role in the Mennonite tradition and continues to be an integral part of fostering “togetherness” as we sing, make music, and worship.
Karen Tole-Henderson, conductor
Karen Tole-Henderson is a Music Specialist who has taught in Winnipeg for 35 years. In 2023, Karen joined the Winnipeg Mennonite School community where she is teaching K - 5 Music and Grade 6-8 Band. She holds a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba. Karen has her Orff Specialist Certificate and she is an Orff Levels Instructor at the University of Manitoba. Karen is proud to have received various awards including the Morna-June Morrow Award for Excellence in Music Education in Manitoba. Karen is actively involved with many music education organizations including co-chairing the annual Tempo: Manitoba Music Conference. Karen believes that music provides students opportunities to learn and to grow - to listen, to problem solve, to reflect, to collaborate, to develop critical thinking skills and to express ideas and faith. Ultimately, Karen loves working with students to experience the joy of making music with others.
Sheralyn Friesen, conductor
Sheralyn Friesen has been a classroom teacher for over 25 years, with experience ranging from kindergarten to her current position as a grade 7 homeroom teacher. She holds an Education degree with a minor in music from the University of Manitoba, with a focus on Early Years Education. The majority of Sheralyn's teaching career has been spent with Winnipeg Mennonite School. She has channeled her background of choral, voice and piano training and experience into leading music in weekly chapels, as well as assisting with many school musicals and concerts. Sheralyn dabbles in writing scripts and creating simple musical compositions when a school concert or event calls for it. She takes great delight in the classroom's endless opportunities for creativity and being a part of her students’ academic and personal growth. Sheralyn feels blessed to be able to laugh and learn every day with children, and is sure she has the best job in the world. This is Sheralyn's debut as a choral director.
Lorena Penner, accompanist
Lorena Penner is a private piano teacher at Winnipeg Mennonite School where she has taught for the last 20 years. She received a Bachelor of Music at Steinbach Bible College where she also participated in a number of music ensembles that included a trip to Europe. She has been involved in music at her church over the years by singing in bands, conducting the choir and leading musicals. She has also been an accompanist for a number of choirs. Her favorite part of her music career is bringing the joy of learning music to children. Lorena enjoys the adventures of family life with her husband, three daughters, two sons-in-law and four amazing grandchildren.
Dan Wiebe, guitar
Dan Wiebe is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and founding member of the band House of Doc. Known for his solid guitar-work, he also composes choral music that blends traditional and contemporary elements. A skilled accompanist, Dan collaborates with choirs to enhance vocal performances with dynamic and expressive guitar arrangements.
Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir
Yuri Klaz, Artistic Director and Conductor
Donna Laube, Accompanist
Sopranos
Alison Bartel
Joy Cooper
Brenda Dyck
Linda Feasby
Wendy Gainsborough
Deborah Ginther
Debbie Girard
Jessica Kowall
Kristin Lovrien-Meuwese
Betty Loewen
Janet Marchylo
Marika Nerbas
Crystal Penner
Christine Sveinson
Lorilee Woelcke
Altos
Kaylene Blackwood
Vida Chan
Glynis Corkal
Veronica Larmour
Vivien Laurie
Brenda Marinelli
Arlene Petkau
Mallory Prescott
Wanda Prychitko
Erika Rasmussen
Gail Singer
Nicola Spasoff
Alison Thiessen
Tenors
John Drewitt
Brian Fristensky
Leonard LaRue
Jackson Lotz
Aiden Sebbahi
Basses
Robert Giesbrecht
Peter Loewen
Brian Marchylo
John Murray
Dennis Penner
Tim Smith
Clement Toner
Laurent Waldie
Paul Wiebe
