December 11, 2011 Concert Program
Break Forth O Beauteous Heav’nly Light from the Christmas Oratorio – J.S.Bach
Good News is in the Air Hans Leo Hassler (arr. H. Hopson)
Christmas Lullaby John Rutter
Come, Emmanuel Don Besig & Nancy Price
Zither Carol Czech folk tune (arr. Sir Malcolm Sargent)
Ivy and Holly Irish Air (arr. Trevor Widdicombe)
Ding Dong Merrily on High 16th Century French tune (harmonized by Charles Wood)
Sing Noel Jay Rouse
Good Cheer Roger Emerson
INTERMISSION
Concenti Women
Two songs by Eleanor Daley: O My Dear Heart (words by J.,J., & R. Wedderburn) What Sweeter Music (words. by Robert Herrick)
The Christmas Waltz Sammy Cahn & Jule Styne (arr. P. Schmutte)
December’s Keep words & arr. Greg Gilpin (based on Prelude in Cminor, Op.28, no.20 by F. Chopin)
Parade of the Wooden Soldiers Leon Jessel (arr. J. Funk)
Huron Carol trad. Canadian (arr. Eleanor Daley)
O Come, All Ye Faithful Audience Sing-Along
Esta Noche trad. Spanish (arr. Tom Cunningham)
CONCENTI SINGERS
Concenti Singers have been delighting audiences in the Cowichan Valley and throughout southern Vancouver Island since the choir was first started by James and Sheila Johnson in 1983. Now directed by Sheila Johnson, who often composes or arranges for her singers, the Concenti Christmas program always bring warmth and beauty to the pre-Christmas season. The choir is unique in that for eight months of the year it rehearses twice each week, testament to the dedication of its members.
The Women of Concenti have twice represented Cowichan in the Provincial Festival, going on to represent BC in the National Festival in 2008. The Concenti repertoire is quite varied, including music from the 16th century to newly-written works. This ensemble favours “A Cappella” singing, although they do also sing some accompanied pieces.
Sheila Hilton Johnson studied piano in her native England before coming to Canada to teach at Strathcona Lodge Girls’ School, Shawnigan Lake. Following additional study at UVic, she went on to teach in the Cowichan Valley School District. Her compositions and arrangements for Concenti and for her Cowichan Valley Youth Choir have been published by several music publishing houses.
Chemainus Classical Concerts 