Friday evening I had the absolute privilege of attending a Christmas Concert at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral. Featured artists included Fr. Harold Escarcega, Tenor; Laurent Heidmann, Soprano; and the Sine Nomine Baroque ensemble: Chuck Sedgwick, Harpsichord; Sarah Walder Amata, Baroque Cello and Bass Viol; Cindy Baker, Baroque Violin; and Marc Goldstick, Baroque Oboe.
Knowing that my daughter would be singing, I dared to hope that if I brought my camera I might capture a few memorable moments. It turned out so much better than I could have dreamed! I wasn’t sure if they would be performing from the balcony or not, but happily when we walked in they were set up at the front of the church. I found a seat where I could unobtrusively manage to see just about everything, took two or three test photos to lock in my settings, and then I was ready.
The music was sublime. Much of it I had performed in the past, either on the viola or singing, so I was especially giddy to hear such phenomenal talents performing in the baroque style and on original instruments! Fr. Harold is a fantastic counter-tenor, and Laurent’s facility with early music and the highest notes reminds me more of Emma Kirkby every day. My head was bursting with commentary the whole time, when I wasn’t in tears at the sheer beauty.
The group will be performing the same concert again on Monday, Dec. 30th, at 6pm at Queen of Peace Parish in Mesa, AZ. Catch it if you can! Although there is no charge to attend, they will be accepting free-will donations. I would pay a hefty ticket price to hear this group again!
Here is the program:
I. The Messiah Foretold
Sing-along: O Come, All Ye Faithful
Reading: Isaiah 9:2-6 (Spanish)
G.F. Handel – Aria: “Comfort Ye” and “Ev’ry Valley” from Messiah
II. Songs of Praise for the Virgin
Reading: Luke 1:39-45
Natale Monferrato – Alma Redemptoris Mater for solo voice
Instrumental: Francois Chauvon Chaconne from Suite No. 11 in D Major
Sing-Along: Lo, How a Rose e’er Blooming
III. The Birth of Christ
Instrumental: G.F. Handel – “Pifa” from Messiah
Reading: Luke 2:8-14 (Spanish)
Antonio Vivaldi – Aria: “Domine Deus” from Gloria
J.S. Bach – Hymn: I Stand Beside Thy Crib This Day
Instrumental: Archangelo Corelli – Sonat a Quattro: Adagio, Allegro, Grave, Allegretto, Allegro
Sing-Along: Noche de Paz
IV. The Christ-Child is True God and Lord
Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6
G.F. Handel – Aria: Tecum Principium from Dixit Dominus
Instrumental: Marin Marais – Variations on Folies D’Espagne
G.F. Handel – Recitative and Aria: “He Shall Feed His Flock” from Messiah
V. His Birth Delivers Us From Death
Anonymous – Hymn: Born is the Babe
Reading: Isaiah 53:10-12 (Spanish)
J.S. Bach – Aria: “Flößt, mein Heiland” from Weinachtsoratorium
Sing-Along: Angels We Have Heard on High
