THE ATHENS SINGERS
Christmas Concert 2007 p r o g r a m m e

- 3 CAROLS: "Η Γέννηση" traditional Greek, "Sleepers Wake" - J.S.Bach, "Ihr Kinderlein Kommet" traditional German
- Christmas Cantata for sopranos and violins - Lubeck
- 2 SONGS: "Cantique de Jean Racine - Faure, "Panis Angelicus - Franck (soprano solo)
- A ceremony of Carols - Benjamin Britten
- 2 CAROLS: "Shine Bright Star - Dawn Acres, "The Angel Gabriel - Roger Tilley

There will also be traditional Christmas Carols for the audience between the items performed by the choir.

A few words about the programme by Roger Tilley:
"Traditionally, Christmas is a time for singing carols, both familiar and new. Our programme this evening contains this tradition and involves you, the audience, as performers. The concept of the programme , however, is a gala concert to celebrate a joyous occasion. Between the well – known carols the choir, soloist and instrumentalists will perform works on the theme of Christmas. The Christmas Cantata by Vincent Lubeck is a typical Baroque work for sopranos and violins, probably written to be used during the mass on Christmas Day. Typically, there is a section for a soloist , as well as short ritornello sections for the strings. The Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten will tonight only consist of six of the original seven carols. Britten was traveling from New York to England in 1942 and the ship called in at Halifax, where he bought a book of old English poems. On the journey he composed music for seven Christmas poems from this book, scored for three soprano voices and harp. He later wrote an interlude and three more carols before the work’s first performance. Soon after, the work was arranged for four – part choir.
   The whole programme also has the concept of chronology, moving from the old to the new, moving through different cultures, and, above all, allowing us all to share in a celebration of hope. As is our tradition, the choir invites you all to a reception immediately after the concert, courtesy of Betsy King – Filiotis ."

The concert will take place on Dec.18th at Holargos Cultural Center in Athens/Greece. Time:20:45
Roger Tilley WEBSITE: www.ionportraits.gr/mrtilley