Sunday December 3, 2023 • St Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal • San Francisco

We are so glad you’ve joined us to celebrate Musae's 20th season!  "Echoes of Winter'' takes us on a journey through time, revisiting the past two decades of Musae's musical legacy and versatility. Not only is every piece you'll hear a cherished gem from Musae's rich repertoire, but every single season of our remarkable journey is represented.

As you sit back and immerse yourselves in the ethereal sounds of Musae, you will witness the evolution of our ensemble, the growth of our singers, and the transformation of our music. From the hauntingly beautiful melodies of our early years to the intricate harmonies and innovative interpretations of more recent seasons, we hope "Echoes of Winter" brings you a sense of nostalgia, beauty, and the timeless power of choral music.

Thank you for joining us on this momentous occasion. Musae is honored to have you as our audience, and we are grateful for your unwavering support over the years. Your presence tonight makes this celebration all the more special, and we look forward to sharing this musical journey with you. Together, we will experience the "Echoes of Winter'' that have defined our ensemble and continue to inspire us as we move toward the future.

We hope you enjoy the concert!

Elizabeth Kimble, Artistic Director

please click here to view the full concert program

I. ​ INVOCATION

Solstice Carol
​​Kim Baryluk b. 1959

II. ​ NATURE

Snow Fell
Bruce L. Shelley (1935-2008)

Northern Lights
​Oja Gjeilo b. 1978
​text from the Song of Songs

III.  ​​THE TREE OF LIFE

Jesus Christ the Apple Tree
Elizabeth Poston (1905-1987)
​text by Rev. Richard Hutchins (1698-1781)
arr. Jace Wittig

The Holly and the Ivy
Traditional English carol
arr. Kirby Shaw

Blinded by a Leafy Crown
Marie-Claire Saindon b. 1984
​text by Sara Teasdale (1844-1933)

IV. ​​ A BABY IS BORN

Jesous Ahatonnia (The Huron Carol)
Traditional Canadian Christmas carol
​text by Jean de Brébeuf, translation by Jesse Edgar Middleton
arr. Eleanor Daley

Away in a Manger
James R. Murray (1841-1905)
text by anonymous poet
arr. Pentatonix

V. ​​ THE DIVINE FEMININE

Shen khar venakhi
Medieval hymn from Kartli-Kakheti, Georgia
text by King Demetre I
arr. Rustavi Choir, courtesy of Kitka​

This Endris Night
Lana Walters b. 1948
text by anonymous 15th century poet

Ave Maria
Gustav Holst (1874-1934)

VI. ​​ TIMELESS CLASSICS

Deck the Hall
Traditional Welsh carol
text by Thomas Oliphant
arr. John Rutter​

Silent Night
Franz Xaver Gruber (1787-1863)
text by Joseph Mohr (1792-1848)
translated by John Freeman Young (1820-1885) 
arr. Ryan Brandau

Let it Snow
Jule Styne (1905-1994)
text by Sammy Cahn (1913-1993)
arr. Judith Weir