British carols bring Christmas spirit to Rosebud

Times Contributor

 

The valley was alive with the sound of Christmas carols as four choral groups performed Dec. 11 at the annual Rosebud Christmas Concert.

The music-loving capacity crowd at the Rosebud Church was treated to “Carols from the British Isles”, featuring a variety of pieces from various periods in British history. 

The evening began with a prelude performed by Connie Canfield on the piano. 

The Rosebud Chorale continued with the 12th century’s “The Wexford Carol” featuring Alysa Glenn as soloist. “Watt’s Cradle Hymn,” “Glouchestershire Wassail” and finally “Adam Lay Abounden,” featuring the women of the Rosebud Chorale, rounded out their contribution to the evening.

Rosa Cantorum then performed Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols.” Although written in 1942 while Britten was travelling from the United States to England, Britten chose to write the lyrics in Middle English, giving the eleven movement piece a unique flavour. 

Next up was the Rosebud Masterworks Choir singing “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wing” for an offertory. They also performed “Fantasia on Christmas Carols” which showcased the talents of baritone Kjel Erickson, and Keith Hamm on the viola.

The Rosebud Younger Company changed the pace of the evening with “Alice’s Christmas Camel.” Written by Marie Russell, this collection of songs, drama and dance performed by the evening’s younger stars, told the brief saga of a has-been rock star who gains a deeper understanding of gift giving at Christmas.

A mass choir, made up of the singers of all four choirs, concluded the evening with “Tell Me This” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”.