Commissioned by VOCES8 for their Live from London Festival in 2020, Taylor Scott Davis’s Solstice, with lyrics

by Milton Brasher-Cunningham, has an almost meterless feel and musically reflects on the darkness and quiet of
winter.

Latvian composer Eriks Esenwalds' passionate ode to Nature, “Stars,” is filled with the harmonic universe of chord
clusters that both emphasize and blur D major's subdominant and tonic functions, enhanced by the resonance of
handbells. The Madison Singers recently presented this work at the new building opening ceremony for the JMU
College of Business.
Alone in the night, on a dark hill, with pines around me, spicy and still.
And a heaven full of stars over my head, white and topaz and misty red.
Myriads with beating hearts of fire, the eons cannot vex or tire.
Up the dome of heaven like a great hill, I watch them marching stately and still.
And I know that I am honored to be witness of so much majesty.

Translated from the Swahili text of the Lord's Prayer, Baba Yetu, a unique world fusion piece, was the Award-
winning title track from the video game Civilization IV, the first composition from a video game to be nominated
for, and win, a Grammy.

Hanacpachap cussicuinin, from the SAVAE Choral ensemble series, is an anonymous hymn written in Quechua,
the imperial language of the Peruvian Incas. A fusion of both early Spanish Catholic and ancient Inca influences in
terms of mysticism, symbolism, and religious focus, this work has the distinction of being the first piece of
polyphonic music printed in the Western Hemisphere; published in Lima, Peru by Gerónimo de Contreras in 1631.

For the happiness of the upper world (cosmos), I’ll kiss you a thousand times.
The hope of the human race is an old tree that produces fruit in abundance;
sustenance that gives strength.
What I ask for: Listen to my suffering, Mother and guide of God, flower and white light.
Remember, I keep watch over you, waiting for you to reveal your Son.

Published in 2021, Austin Schend’s A Great Clear Twilight paints a picture of Sara Teasdale's Winter
Dusk landscape tied to the thoughts of one solemnly reflecting life’s infinite meaning and gratitude. A piano feature
for our amazing Amy Robertson, this work resonates strongly with our Holiday Fest Solstice Theme.

Winter Dusk
by Sara Teasdale

I watch the great clear twilight

Veiling the ice-bowed trees;
Their branches tinkle faintly
With crystal melodies.
The larches bend their silver
Over the hush of snow;
One star is lighted in the west,
Two in the zenith glow.
For a moment I have forgotten
Wars and women who mourn,
I think of the mother who bore me
And thank her that I was born.

The masterful pen of renowned and beloved composer John Rutter created Star Carol, a marvelous Christmas
selection that has become a Christmas tradition for mixed choirs and orchestra.

Arranged by Darmon Meader for New York Voices, S’vivon is a popular Chanukah folksong set with lush jazz
chords and embellishments that underscore the beauty of this famous song.
Kim Baryluk (1959) is a founding and enduring member of one of Canada’s most significant folk groups – the Wyrd
Sisters (1990). Her Solstice Carole, with a vocal jazz arrangement by Scott Reamer, is so much fun to sing!

Glory, Glory, Glory to the Newborn King: In his inimitable style, filled with lush choral harmonies, sweeping
dynamic shifts, driving motor rhythms, and an unbelievable solo line, the legendary Moses Hogan took Go Tell It on
the Mountain and created an unforgettable choral masterwork. We are delighted to present this with soloist Dr.
Jamison Walker, our tenor on faculty and Interim Director of the JMU Opera Program.

Christmas Carol Serenade: What’s the holiday season without some carols? We will sing them for you this year;
please sing with us in your hearts, but not out loud!