Album Notes

Tje Salt Lake Children's Chir has a dacades-long tradition of Christmas performances in the historic Cathedral of the Madeleine. This disc is a compilation drawn from several years of these performances, arranged in a format typical of the actual audience experience in the cathedral --with the choir suddenly being heard singing "Hosanna in Excelsis"from loft in the rear, followed by an organ interlude, a processional and then the program itself. Included are works of Palestrina, Mozart and other masters as well as "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming," "Il est ne, le divin Enfant," "Angels O'er the Fields" and other familiar and less well-known carols from many lands--along with "Sweet Is the Song." "Noche Bendita" and other pieces written especially for the choir by its director. (The singing is with harp, organ or unaccompanied.) Both of the choir's ensembles are heard--first separately, then together, joined by the capacity audience and organ in four carol favorites, bringing the evening to a stirring close.

The Salt Lake Children's Choir has long been admired for its artistry, its remarkable repertoire, and its pure, angelic sound. It has performed with many celebrated artists and ensembles, has been featured at numerous conventions of the American Choral Director's Association, and has been heard on Public Radio International and American Public Media. Members of the choir have also been heard on soundtracks for film and television.