PRESS RELEASE:
Look to the Heavens and Sing: A New Advent Tradition for Linden!
Victoria, BC (November 9, 2010) - The Linden Singers of Victoria are exploring a new advent tradition, not unlike that experienced annually in the city of Salzburg. This tradition marks the beginning of the Advent season by singing, the heraldry of brass instruments, and the reading of seasonally appropriate prose. People have looked to the stars during this, the darkest season of the year, for inspiration, as evidenced in now well-known carols of the season.
Linden's A British Christmas will bring the exuberance and energy of young singers together with the brilliance of an 8-piece professional brass ensemble, and the intimacy of seasonal Victorian readings by two narrators. Through the accented dance-like themes of John Rutter's Gloria, performed by brass, percussion and the voices of Linden, listeners will be encouraged to revel in a renewed sense of hope, wonder and perspective as we enter the season of Advent. William Mathias' stridently striking version of the Magnificat (Song of Mary), will give pause to a young woman's reflection on her role in bringing a sense of wonder, renewed optimism and hope to the world, as found in the birth and innocence of a newborn child. This same composer's Bell Carol, will combine the vibrant energy and musicality of youth through the voices of the Oak Bay High School Chamber choir, with the mature sounds of Linden, in a lilting expression of sheer joy and wonder.
A set of Victorian carols accompanied by the brass ensemble, will be part of what will be an intimate opera-like presentation about Advent and Christmas, as period readings by Joy and Nick Hunter bring the perspective and spirit of the Victorian era to life. The audience will have an opportunity to join in singing some of the carols, which were popularized during this era, as part of the dramatic expression of the season.
"It's an effort to bring a cross-section of artistic elements in the community together to create a united expression of hope during the shortest and darkest days of the year; the young and the mature singers, choirs and instrumentalists, musicians and readers of prose in a manner that will be entertaining and stimulating." says Dr. Garry Froese, Music Director of Linden Singers.
Come join Linden in this artistic exploration of the season on Saturday, December 4th, at 7:30 p.m., at the First Metropolitan United Church, corner of Quadra and Balmoral. Tickets are $18.00 for adults, $15.00 for students and seniors and are available online at www.lindensingers.ca, from choristers, or from the First Metropolitan United Church office, Long and McQuade, Ivy's Book Shop and Munro's Books.