PHILADELPHIA, PA - For over 30 years, The Philadelphia Singers' holiday concert, "Christmas with The Philadelphia Singers," has been a cherished tradition for thousands of families and friends throughout the Delaware Valley. For the second consecutive year, The Singers will offer three performances of this annual favorite, including one performance on Philadelphia's Main Line. Performances of "Christmas with The Philadelphia Singers" will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 5:00pm and Saturday, December 17, at 5:00pm at St. Clement's Church at 20th and Cherry Streets in Philadelphia. The Singers will also present the same program at the Church of the Good Samaritan on 212 W. Lancaster Avenue in Paoli, Sunday, December 11 at 4:00pm. Tickets are $25-$43, and may be purchased by calling 215.751.9494 or online at philadelphiasingers.org. The major work on the program will be Ave Rex by 20th century Welsh composer William Mathias (1934-1992). The work, which somewhat resembles A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten, was written in 1969. This virtuosic piece utilizes medieval texts and organ flourishes to take the listener on a journey from the exuberant to the mystic. Mathias, who began composing at the age of five, had an exceptionally broad compositional output, writing for opera, organ and orchestra. In addition to Ave Rex, the concert will feature In the Bleak Midwinter by young American composer Abbie Betinis, There is no Rose of Such Virtue by Robert Young, In dulci jubilo by William Hawley and Variations on "Es ist ein Ros" by Hugo Distler. And, as is traditional for this concert, will end with a glorious audience carol sing-along.
Music Director David Hayes says, "'Christmas with The Philadelphia Singers' is always one of my favorite concerts to program as well as perform. Each year we invite the audience to join the chorus for a different journey and together we explore the many facets of Christmas repertoire."
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