Album Notes

Formed in 1980, the Hibernian Festival Singers is comprised of local Long Island artists who have dedicated themselves to fostering the Irish culture through music, both in the United States and abroad. Our tours have included the 150th Commemoration of the Great Hunger in Ireland, Solemn Mass at the Vatican in Rome, Notre Dame, Le Mont-St. Michel, La Madeleine Church in Paris, Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, Trump Plaza, Salzburg Cathedral and St. Stephens Cathedral.

Beyond these notable achievements, the Hibernian Festival Singers have had the privilege of sharing the stage with such exceptional artists as Frank and Eily Patterson, Hal Roach, John McNaly, the Wolfe Tones, John McDermot, Carmel Quinn, Dana, Gay Willis, Ciaran Sheehan, Andy Cooney, Anthony Kearns, Kathryn Smith and Ronan Tynan.

We welcome you to “Christmas Is…” which features some of the most joyous Christmas and Inspirational songs from around the world. From the traditional to the sacred, this live concert recording includes something for everyone. The uplifting “Sing Joy” medley (Joy To The World, For Unto Us A Child Is Born, O Come All Ye Faithful), the haunting Spanish lullaby, “A La Nanita Nana,” and the rousing spiritual “Mary Had A Baby” are just some of the glorious songs to keep you in the Holiday spirit. As our Christmas gift to you, we’ve included our stirring rendition of “Danny Boy,” performed live in Austria.

We hope “Christmas Is…” brings you many hours of enjoyment during this holiday season and “…may all your wishes come true.”

Slainte,
The Hibernian Festival Singers
Christopher Bilella
(Conductor of the Hibernian Festival Singers)

Christopher Bilella earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education for voice and piano from the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford. Chris has studied choral conducting with some of the world’s greatest choral teachers including: Dr. James Jordan of the Westminster Choral College and Dr. Gerald Mack of the Gerald Mack Choral Series. Through James Jordan, Chris met and studied voice with Jerome Pruett and David Ray Smith at The Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.

In addition to conducting and arranging recordings for several Hibernian Festival Singers albums, Chris has also conducted and arranged songs for the “I Only Loved” album by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd.

In 1992 Chris was hired as an accompanist and assistant conductor for the Hibernian Festival Singers. In the Spring of 1998, he accepted the principal conductorship and prepared the choir for a performance tour of France. Since then, he and the choir have reached new heights and have developed a strong working relationship.