Incarnation: Advent and Christmas Music of Eastern Orthodox Traditions November 20, 2008

Bay Area Classical Harmonies is proud to present the Josquin Singers in a captivating program of a cappella Advent and Christmas choral music from the Eastern Orthodox traditions.

In preparing for the feast of Christmas, the liturgy of the Eastern Orthodox Church is full of profound and joyful texts that proclaim the coming of the Messiah. In both the Slavic and Byzantine traditions, these texts are set to some of the most moving and beautiful music of any choral repertoire. The Josquin Singers' program will include chants and polyphony from periods spanning over ten centuries, such as St. Romanos's Christmas Kontakion "Today the Virgin" (7th century), St. Kosmas of Jerusalem's Christmas Canon "Christ is Born, Give Glory," (8th century) and Vasily Titov's "Hymn to the Mother of God" from his Divine Service in a Minor Key (early 18th century).

In addition, the Josquin Singers are proud to perform the world premier of an original work by Yiorgos Vassilandonakis: "Rose Evergreen," an excerpt from the Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God attributed to St. Romanos the Melodist.

Conducted by the Josquin Singers' artistic director John Michael Boyer, the program Incarnation: Advent and Christmas Music of the Eastern Orthodox Traditions promises to be a sublime experience, joyfully bringing in the Advent and Christmas season.

This performance is a tribute to Fr. Tom Paris in honor of his retirement from the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension. 50% of donations received at the door from this concert will go towards the Ascension's Chapel Fund, in Fr. Paris's name.

$20 suggested donation.

Official Website: http://www.bayareabach.org