The 60-voice Southern Oregon Repertory Singers will perform their annual holiday concert, “In Time of Softest Snow” on at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 in the SOU Music Recital Hall, 450 S. Mountain Ave., Ashland.
As is their custom, Repertory Singers will perform a variety of musical styles from around the world, singing in French; Old Dutch; Latin; Kituba, an African dialect; and English, of course.
“I guarantee that you will hear music at this concert you have never heard before, as well as new and fresh arrangements of traditional holiday favorites,” says music director Dr. Paul French.
Dutch composer Jetse Bremer’s “In dulci jubilo” (In sweet rejoicing), with its colorful harmonies and driving rhythms, is one of Dr. French’s favorites. The choir will sing a song by John Rutter, who the New York Times described as “the composer who owns Christmas!” His carols are fantastic and his “What Sweeter Music” will be a concert favorite. The Marian poem, “There is No Rose” has inspired composers since the late Middle Ages, and the choir will sing an arrangement of it by Canadian composer Don Macdonald, which is wonderfully atmospheric and haunting.
Dan Forrest is one of the most popular composers of our time, and the Singers will perform his piece “See Amid the Winter’s Snow,” that is sweepingly romantic. The arrangement will feature Grants Pass High School’s Chamber Choir, under the direction of Taylor Pulsipher. This and many other songs in the concert will be accompanied by guest instrumentalists: Kathleen Strahm on violin, Michal Pauzevitch on cello, Sherril Wood on flute, and Brian Jeffs on percussion.
“Composer in Residence” Jodi French will premiere a new work she describes as “a tender lullaby.” Ms. French’s music is always a concert high point, with her beautiful melodies that go straight to the heart.
The concert will also feature new arrangements of more popular holiday songs like “Away in a Manger,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Silent Night” as well as a “not to be missed” moment with a modern arrangement of the spiritual “Children go Where I Send Thee” including a rap solo by tenor Brandt Nakamura.
