ARTISTIC DIRECTOR PREVIEWS 2008-2009 SEASON

Following a brief and rare summer break, we head into our 23rd season!  Highlights include a World Premiere performance, our third collaboration with Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra, a guest appearance for South Central Arts Council in Chillicothe, the return of Masterchoir, and a commemoration of Debbie Fox's tenth anniversary as our accompanist!

'SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS!'

starts our season on November 30, continuing our long-standing tradition of ushering in the holiday season!  I must say that I'm especially pleased with this program, and feel it is one of the most beautiful we've assembled in celebration of  Christmas!  Patrick Hawes' PERFECT LOVE begins the afternoon from the rear of historic St. Mary of the Assumption, enjoying the un-matched acoustic! After processing, Chorale opens with three selections subtitled, 'Four Centuries of Praise', beginning with Palestrina's HODIE CHRISTUS NATUS EST, and continuing with Rachmaninoff's magnificent, BOGORODITZE DEVO from All Night Vigil.  The third selection showcases another new composer to LC, Ola Gjeilo;  his stunning SANCTUS completes this grouping in spectacular fashion!

The first half concludes with four contemporary carols by Steve Martland, Eleanor Daley, Alan Bullard and Bob Chilcott, each beautiful and fresh, and in contrasting styles.  Following a guest appearance by Lancaster-Fairfield Youth Choir, directed by Andrew Brown, LC continues with a medley of beloved carols written by Randol Alan Bass, and concludes with BLESSINGS ON YOU by James Whitbourn, composer of last year's 'hit of the season', Son of God Mass.

WE'RE PLEASED TO BE INVITED

to repeat this entire program at First Presbyterian Church in Chillicothe on Saturday, December 6, at 4PM, presented by South Central Ohio Arts Council, our second visit to this musical neighbor in central Ohio!  I hope that those of you who may have conflicts on our Lancaster performance date will join us in Chillicothe!

PROMUSICA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

is certainly a central Ohio treasure, and we're privileged to be collaborating for a third time with this outstanding musical group!  Two performances at Pontifical College Josephinum on Saturday, December 13, at 2 and 5:30 PM are followed by our fourth performance at the Southern Theatre, on Sunday evening, December 14.  The focus of the programs will be Handel's MESSIAH, but other traditional music of the season will be included.  More detailed information can be found on our website or at www.promusicacolumbus.org.

GALA - 'LANCASTER CHORALE SINGS & SWINGS!'

has become as much fun as it is an important fund-raiser for Chorale!  Set for Saturday, March 7 at Lancaster Eagles, the program will follow last year's popular format, featuring Chorale members singing individually, showcasing their tremendous talents!

Popular and talented individuals and groups from the community join us, and Chorale's new ensemble, 10 VOICES will be showcased throught the evening.  We hope you'll plan to bring a table of your friends and enjoy what will be as enjoyable an evening of entertainment as can be seen and heard anywhere!

'SEA TO SHINING SEA!'

Chorale returns to Faith Memorial Church on May 3, 2009, to conclude the season with a splendid collection of choral music from across the seas...the islands of Britain & Sweden... and of course, from all four corners of our own, magnificent, United States of America! A highlight of the afternoon will be the World Premiere Performance of a commissioned work by composer, Sheena Phillips, written for Chorale and Youth Choir. The year-long recognition of Debbie Fox concludes with a beautiful new work, Debussy's classic,  REVERIE scored with voices backing up the virtuosic original piano scoring.  Masterchoir returns, with volunteer singers from the community creating an expanded choral instrument, and featuring quartets from area high schools. The concert concludes appropriately with an unforgettable arrangement of AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL, sung as the audience enjoys a visual treat of scenes of Americana, both local and national!  You'll want to be at Faith Memorial for this season-ending concert, truly a 'celebration of singing!'

LANCASTER FESTIVAL - 2009

Jeffrey Van Guitarist-Composer

EVENTS/DATES/VENUES 

to be announced