Christmas with Cantus

The a cappella vocal ensemble Cantus weaves together three holiday stories with time-honored carols and new classics in Three Tales of Christmas. Blending narration and song, the program features Margery Williams’ The Velveteen Rabbit and The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, alongside an abridged romp through Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Join Cantus for a reflection on the meaning and joy of the holiday season with a program that the (Minneapolis) Star Tribune deemed "as joyful a celebration of the season's spirit as any caroling party you're likely to attend this year."

Cantus — widely known for its trademark warmth and blend, innovative programming and riveting performances of music — has come to prominence with its distinctive approach to creating music. Working without a conductor, the members of Cantus rehearse and perform as chamber musicians, each contributing to the entirety of the artistic process, creating programs that give voice to shared human experiences. 

PROGRAM

VINCE GUARALDI, LEE MENDELSON; arr. JAY GIALLOMBARDO: “Christmas Time Is Here” from A Charlie Brown Christmas

PAUL JOHN RUDOI: How You Are Made

MITCHEL GRASSI, SCOTT HOYING, AUDRA MAE: Light in the Hallway

SAM PHILLIPS: Where Is Love Now

EDEN AHBEZ: Nature Boy

TRADITIONAL; arr. ALICE PARKER: O Tannenbaum

TRADITIONAL; arr. AARON HUMBLE: Still, Still, Still

JONI MITCHELL: The Circle Game

BILLY HILL: The Glory of Love

PYOTR TCHAIKOVSKY: Selections from The Nutcracker: 
    “Overture and March”
    “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”
    “Russian Dance”
    “Arabian & Chinese Dances”
    “Dance of the Reed Flutes”
    “Waltz of the Flowers”

JAY LIVINGSTON, RAY EVANS: Silver Bells

TRADITIONAL TAIWANESE; arr. CHIEN SHAN-HUA: diu diu dang a

ALAN SILVESTRI: Spirit of the Season

LOREENA MCKENNIT: The Bells of Christmas

J.M. FØRDE: Bruremarsj

ALAN SILVESTRI: Believe