A Candlelight Tradition

Tomas Luis de Victoria,Text: Responsory of the Nocturn of Matins for Christmas Day
1. O Magnum Mysterium [4:01]

Felix Mendelssohn Text adapted from Samuel Wesley by Larry Minton
4. Come, O Long [4:19]

arr. Richard Robert Rossi Text by Robert Croo, 1534 Soprano solo Sandra Perry
6. Coventry Carol [3:14]

harmonized by Johann Sebastian Bach, German Melody Text translated by Percy Dearmer
7. Oh Little One Sweet [2:17]

Michael Praetorius Text: English version by Theodore Baker
9. Lo How a Rose [1:42]

arr. Mack Wilberg Text: Anonymous Boyd Jones, organ Hassan Anderson, oboe Eleanor Covault, flute
11. Away In A Manger [4:35]

harmonized by Charles Wood, 16 CenturyFrench melody Text by G.R. Woodward
12. Ding Dong [1:46]

text: Joseph Mohr Boyd Jones, organ Aubrey Miller, soprano solo
15. Silent Night [3:09]

Tracks 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 15 conducted by Alan Raines
Tracks 4, 5, 6, 13, and 14 conducted by Andrew Larson

The Christmas Candlelight Concert tradition at Stetson University dates back several decades and has become one of the most important traditions on the University's campus. Decorations, rehearsals, processionals, readings, and choral concerts begin the last Sunday in November and continue through the first Sunday in December. Though the repertoire varies from year to year, a formula does prevail: the concerts open with a candlelight processional and rigorous choral fanfare, then close with the version of Silent Night heard on this recording. Music reflecting holiday traditions from many styles, countries, and historical periods comprises the body of the program. We hope you will enjoy this recording of selected repertoire from 2007 through 2009, as it combines several well-known carols with polyphonic motets of Western Europe and modern Christmas compositions, including the premier recording of Salvator natus est.

Andrew Larson is Associate Professor of Choral Studies and currently serving as Director of Choral Activities at Stetson University. He has studied with conductors, composers, and scholars such as Will Kesling, Ronald Staheli, Mack Wilberg, Fred Stoltzfus, and Chester Alwes. He has written for the Choral Journal, and is in frequent demand as a clinician, lecturer, and adjudicator along the East and Southeast. His choirs have appeared for state and regional professional conferences. His compositions, arrangements, and orchestrations have been performed by numerous ensembles from across the country. His published works appear with Santa Barbara Music under the Jo-Michael Scheibe series, also under the Lorenz label.

Alan Raines served as Director of Choral Activities for three years at Stetson University and is currently Director of Choral Activities at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He is a frequent guest conductor and sought-after clinician with choruses throughout the United States. He has conducted All-State and Honor Choirs in 26 states. A former student of Donald Neuen at U.C.L.A., Raines has held appointments at the University of La Verne and Georgia State University. His published works appear under the Alliance Music and Walton Music labels. His choirs have performed at state, regional, and national professional conferences and in Europe.

Tammy Miller has worked as a pianist with conductors such as Craig Jessop, Anton Armstrong, John Dickson, Chuck Smith, Duncan Couch, and Ken Fulton. Recent performances include recitals of works by Ned Rorem and Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms, along with numerous chamber music appearances with singers and instrumentalists. Her piano students have gone on to pursue their own careers in music and to perform throughout the United States. She received her B.A. from Stetson University and her M.A. from the University of Central Florida. Former teachers include: Mary Gae George, Dr. Michael Rickman and Laurent Boukobza. She is a member of Music Teacher's National Association and the Volusia County Music Teacher's Association.

The Concert Choir is one of four choral ensembles in the Stetson University School of Music. Forty-five highly select vocalists comprise this principal vocal touring ensemble for the School of Music. The Concert Choir has performed concerts throughout the United States and Europe. The choir has been selected by competitive audition to perform for several prestigious national, regional, and state professional musical conferences. The group has appeared recently in performances for the National Collegiate Choral Organization, the Southern Division Convention of the American Choral Directors Association and of the Music Educators National Conference. The group has appeared at numerous conventions of the Florida Vocal Association, Florida ACDA, and the Florida Music Educators Association. The concert choir has sung under the leadership of Robert Rich, Duncan Couch, and Alan Raines. Andrew Larson has conducted the choir since fall 2009.

SPACE