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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here is the program:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I. The Messiah Foretold<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sing-along: O Come, All Ye Faithful<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Reading: Isaiah 9:2-6 (Spanish)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n G.F. Handel – Aria: “Comfort Ye” and “Ev’ry Valley” from Messiah<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n II. Songs of Praise for the Virgin<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Reading: Luke 1:39-45<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Natale Monferrato – Alma Redemptoris Mater for solo voice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Instrumental: Francois Chauvon Chaconne from Suite No. 11 in D Major<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sing-Along: Lo, How a Rose e’er Blooming<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n III. The Birth of Christ<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Instrumental: G.F. Handel – “Pifa” from Messiah<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Reading: Luke 2:8-14 (Spanish)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Antonio Vivaldi – Aria: “Domine Deus” from Gloria<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n J.S. Bach – Hymn: I Stand Beside Thy Crib This Day<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Instrumental: Archangelo Corelli – Sonat a Quattro: Adagio, Allegro, Grave, Allegretto, Allegro<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sing-Along: Noche de Paz<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n IV. The Christ-Child is True God and Lord<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n G.F. Handel – Aria: Tecum Principium from Dixit Dominus<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Instrumental: Marin Marais – Variations on Folies D’Espagne<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n G.F. Handel – Recitative and Aria: “He Shall Feed His Flock” from Messiah<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n V. His Birth Delivers Us From Death<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Anonymous – Hymn: Born is the Babe<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Reading: Isaiah 53:10-12 <\/strong>(Spanish)<\/p>\n\n\n\n J.S. Bach – Aria: “Fl\u00f6\u00dft, mein Heiland” from Weinachtsoratorium<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sing-Along: Angels We Have Heard on High<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nngg_shortcode_0_placeholder\n