solstice
music of light for the holidays
For centuries, humans have reveled and sought comfort in festivals of light during the darkest time of year. Join us for afternoon and evening concerts of warm, joyous choral music from winter traditions around the world. Along with cherished solstice, Christmas, and Hanukkah music, we’ll share choral works from other festivals of light.
“Best of all, the quality showed why this choir is so well regarded…The entire program was a moving experience and a fitting beginning for the Christmas season.”
Online sales for today’s concerts are now closed, and 3pm is SOLD OUT. Join us for the 7:30pm concert, or come next Saturday the 21st to our concerts at Seattle First Baptist Church!
Saturday, December 21, 2019 - 3pm & 7:30pm Seattle First Baptist Church
Listen to select excerpts from the Solstice program:
Wishes
Fraser Wilson
A beautiful setting of Yeats' poem 'Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven' by the contemporary composer Fraser Wilson.
O nata lux
Morten Lauridsen
The central movement of Lauridsen's major work Lux aeterna, which he composed in response to his mother’s final illness. The composer says, “I chose the theme of light… to give me strength…”
Winter Sun
Don MacDonald
“To light, to water, and the flow of birds through ancient stars.” This piece exemplifies the Winter Solstice.
Mi zeh Y'maleil
Joshua Jacobson
A joyful and uplifting Chanukah song based on a Sephardic folksong.
Listen to excerpts from last year’s December concerts, Silent Night:
Accessibility at our venues:
Seattle First Baptist Church is accessible for those with mobility issues - they may enter via the glass doors on Harvard (between Seneca and Spring) to use the elevator; there is also a passenger drop-off zone located just outside these doors. Once the choir has completed warmups in the sanctuary, the ramp from the parking lot on Seneca and Boylston may be used by any who need it and have tickets in hand.
Bastyr University Chapel is accessible for those with mobility issues - the church is on the same level as the large parking lot, and there is a passenger drop-off zone with a ramp located outside the main doors.