Chez Nous - Christmas with Elektra arrives on the eve of Advent with a festive burst of music and song. Featuring new works and arrangements by BC composers Stephen Smith and Cameron Wilson,
Chez Nous: Christmas with Elektra is a wonderful introduction to the holiday season. Sharing the concert as featured guests are the White Rock Children's Choir, directed by Sarona Mynhard, Stephen Smith on piano and organ, and the ebullient Joe Trio.
"What a joy to welcome the exuberant and talented Joe Trio to 'our house' this year," comments Co-Conductor, Morna Edmundson. "Violinist Cam Wilson, cellist Charles Inkman, and pianist Allen Stiles strive for diversity, versatility, and more than a little humour and unpredictability in their performances.
They'll be joining us for the world premiere of an evocative Christmas composition by our own Stephen Smith. And hold onto your hats as they present 'A Not So Traditional Christmas' medley. We're also delighted to welcome the youthful voices of the White Rock Children's Choir and their conductor Sarona Mynhardt. All in all, a fresh, Elektra way to welcome the season."
A highlight of
Chez Nous: Christmas with Elektra is the premiere of Stephen Smith's
So Hallowed is That Time. When asked about his new composition, Smith stated,
"Well, the first thing I'd say is that the piece is not a carol by any stretch, either in text or style - though it is still a Christmas piece!
It's a setting of part of Marcellus' speech from Act 1 scene 1 of Hamlet, in which he describes the season 'wherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated' as being 'so hallowed and so gracious' that all evil spirits are powerless, "the nights are wholesome," and birds sing all night long.
The piece begins with piano, violin, and cello imitating a chorus of birds such as the robin, red-winged blackbird, and white-throated sparrow. When the voices enter, the pitches of the birdsongs become the melodic and harmonic material for the setting of the text, which has a somewhat magical and unearthly atmosphere. As Morna likes to say, the piece combines my love of birds, Shakespeare, and music - and, I might add, my love of Christmas!"
New and familiar carols from around the world frame this glittering concert, with works by Britten, Mathias, and Sirett alongside well known favourites.
Co-Conductor Diane Loomer adds, "This year's Chez Nous welcomes music from many Christmas traditions. You'll hear carols coming from Moravian, Romanian and Greek traditions; old, familiar carols beloved by all; and yes, you'll even hear a little bit of Charlie Brown, too. Like a well-chosen Christmas present, there's something here that guarantees good will to all."
Sparkling music, seasonal readings, a chance to sing along to a favourite carol, and special treats for the children make
Chez Nous: Christmas with Elektra the perfect launch to your holiday season.
Two performances Saturday, November 29.
2 pm at New Westminster Christian Reformed Church, 8255 13th Ave, Burnaby BC
7:30 pm at Ryerson United Church, 2195 W 45th Ave., Vancouver, BC
Adults $26 Seniors/Students $20 General Admission
Tickets are available now from your favourite Elektra member
or through
Ticketmaster 603.280.3311.
The Perfect Choral Holiday Gift!
