Founded at Northfield, MN's St. Olaf College by F. Melius Christiansen, the St. Olaf Christmas Festival, which tells the story of the birth of Christ through music and narration, gets bigger and better every year! It features the St. Olaf Choir, the St. Olaf Orchestra, St. Olaf Cantorei, St. Olaf Chapel Choir, the Manitou Singers and the Viking Chorus; performing both as individual groups and as a massed ensemble. "A Child, A Son, The Prince of Peace" is a two-CD set, with 13 beautiful and moving cuts on Disc One, and 18 on Disc Two. Gorgeous, inspiring and magnificent, from beginning to end!

Songlist: Messiah, Prince of Peace, Lo, How a Rose,, Speak a Word to Us, Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying, Isaiah's Voice, Prepare the Way, What Child, Carol of the Drum, See, Amid the Winter Snow, Chichester Psalms, O Come, All Ye Faithful, Ring Out, Wild Bells, To Us a Child Is Born, Hodie Christus natus est, Past Three A Clock, Sing We Now of Christmas, In Silent Night, Here's a Pretty Little Baby!, Shepherd's Jubilee, Angels We Have Heard on High, At the Manger: Carols for Choirs, Silent Night, Dona nobis pacem, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Where Shepherds Lately Knelt, Beautiful Savior

This album was recorded live by the St. Olaf Choir, Kenneth Jennings, conductor, at the magnificent Ordway Music Theatre in St. Paul, Minnesota. The concert commemorated the 300th anniversary of the birth of J.S. Bach & Heinrich Schutz.

Songlist: Singet dem Herrn, The King Shall Rejoice, Psalm 98: Singet dem Herrn, Agnus Dei, In Principio, Yea, Though I Wander, Beautiful Savior

The Celestial Country was composed sometime before 1900, probably when Ives was organist at the fashionable First Presbyterian Church in Bloomfield, New Jersey, and it was scored for choir, strings and organ. This dramatic, symphonic work uses choruses, an a cappella chorus and instrumental interludes, and bold unresolved dissonances. Ives strives for a modern, more streamlined expression, though indulging in a Wagnerian finale, as much Wagner as he would ever display in a lifetime of composing. The veteran 75 mixed-voice St. Olaf Choir brings a fresh, immediate feel to this material, as if we are present for the first performance of this work in April, 1902 at Central Presbyterian Church in NYC. First we have the 12 movements of "Celestial Country," then 9 movements of "Silence Accompanied," written in the final years of Ives' creative life, the aftermath of WWI and the defeat of Wilson's plan for the League of Nations. "Aria for Baritone, "Chorus A Cappella," "Double Chorus A Cappella," "Aria for Tenor" and "Chorale & Finale" are particularly fine from "Celestial Country;" "Afterglow," "The Collection," "Duty/Vita/Duty," "Carol," "Sunrise" and "Mists" in "Silence." Beautifully illustrated, complete liner notes tell us all about the composer, the music and the Choir.

Songlist: Prelude, Trio & Chorus, Interlude, Aria for Baritone, Chorus a cappella, Interlude, Intermezzo for String Quartet, Interlude, Double chorus a cappella, Aria for Tenor, Introduction to Finale, Chorale & Finale, Silence Unaccompanied:, Adagio Sostentuto, Evening, Afterglow, The Collection, Duty/Vita/Duty, Carol, Sunrise, Hymn, Mists

"Child of Light" is a 2 CD set recorded at the 93rd Annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival, performed in December of 2004 at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, and it includes the Chapel Choir, Manitou Singers, St. Olaf Cantorei, St. Olaf Choir, St. Olaf Orchestra, and Viking Chorus, performing as individual groups and as a massed ensemble. The CDs included narration and instrumental works, but the focus is on the voices and the beautiful traditional and original Christmas music. We particularly liked Graeme Morton's "In The Spendor" and "A Spotless Rose," Olaf Christiansen's "Light Everlasting," Alexandre Gretchaninoff's "Our Father" and "Only Begotten Son," John Rutter's "Candlelight Carol," Steven Amundson's "Angels' Dance," traditional hymns "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus," Handl's "For Unto Us A Child Is Born," "Lo, How A Rose," "I Saw Three Ships," "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "Beautiful Savior" by F. Melius Christiansen, founder of the music program and the event in 1912. 32 cuts, many symphonically accompanied. Powerful, beautiful, triumphant music from one of the oldest and finest Christmas music festivals in America.

Songlist: Adagio (Enigma Variations), In The Splendor, Light Everlasting, Narration, Come Thou Long Expected Jesus, For unto us a Child Is Born, A Spotless Rose, Psalm 36, O nata lux De Lumine, Our Father, All My heart This Night Rejoices, Lo, How a Rose, Gospel, Joy To The World, All This Night, Only Only Begotten Son, The Three Kings, I Saw Three Ships, Candlelight Carol, O Little Town of Bethelehem, In The Bleak Midwinter, True Light, Angels' Dance, Carols From Scandinavia, Jeg Er Sa Glad, O Day Full of Grace, Child of Light, Narration, Lord of Light, Narration, and more

On this 2 disc set of digitally remastered recordings one hears the legendary sounds of the St. Olaf Choir under the direction of F. Melius Christansen with famed soloist Gertrude Boe Overby.

Songlist: O Savior, Throw the Heavens Wide, O Sacred Head, Come, Guest Divine, When Curtained Darkness Falls, The Spires, O Sing Unto Him, Lullaby on Christmas Eve, Doxology (Psalm 50, 3rd Movement), Beautiful Savior, Sing Ye to the Lord (1st movement), Hvad Est Du Dog Skjon, Cherubim Song, Praise to the Lord, Der Herr ist mein Hirte (Psalm 23), The Three Kings, Beauty in Humility, Restoration, Tenebrae Factae Sunt, Motet for Advent, O How Shall I Receive Thee, Lord, Hosanna, Benedictus, As a Flower of the Field, Lost in the Night, Wake, Awake

Olaf Christiansen's years as conductor of the St. Olaf Choir spanned some 27 years. He joined his father F. Melius Christiansen, founder of the choir, as co-director in 1941, and in 1943 became the sole conductor, a position he held until his retirement in 1968. This two-disc CD provides a sampling of music taken from restored recordings dating 1950 to 1968. The first disc contains music from the latter 1960s; the second, mostly from the 1950s

Songlist: Cantate Domino, O Magnum Mysterium, Die Mit Tranan Saen, Sing ye To the Lord, As A Flower of the Field, Hope in the Lord, Lo, How A Rose, Sing Nowell, Sing Gloria!, Hodie Christus natus Est, O Magnum Mysterium, Adoramus Te, O Jesu Christe, Ich Bin der Herr, Cherubim Hymn, Jubilate Deo, Lamb of God, Wake, Awake, Hodie Christus Natus Est, Misericordias Domini, Ave Verum, Praise the Lord, O Brother Man, Son of Man, Carol of the Drum, "Alleluia" from Brazilian Psalm, Glory to God, Hosanna, Kingdom of God, The Christmas Symbol, Lost in the Night, and more

A collection of re-mastered archival recordings of the St. Olaf Choir from 1970-1990 under the direction of Dr. Kenneth Jennings

Songlist: Jubilate Deo, The Lord's Prayer, Come, Jesus, Come, Psalm 2, Op. 78, No. 1, O Sacrum Convivium, De Profundis, Op. 50b, Psalm 116 (114), Op. 10, Hymn to St. Cecilia, Walk as Children of the Light, An Apostrophe to the Heavenly Hosts, I Gondolieri (The Gondoliers), La Passeggiata (The Excursion), Cantate Domino, O Jesu Christe, I Will Not Leave You Comfortless, Cantata No. 150, Hymne, Op. 34, No. 2, O Love So Brief (From Grief to Glory: II), Psalm 90, September, Rimfrosten (Frost), Song of Cherubim (Izhe Xeruvimy), Brazilian Psalm, Ubi caritas

J.S. Bach Mass in B minor conducted by Kenneth Jennings, performed by the St. Olaf Choir and members of the St. Olaf Orchestra. May 26, 1972, St. Olaf College. Soloists: Cora Scholz, Marie Sathrum, Janis Hardy, Lloyd Hanson, Burr McWilliams.

Songlist: Kyrie, Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison, Gloria, Gloria, Et in terra pax, Laudamus te, Gratias agimus tibi, Domine Deus / Qui tollis peccata mundi, Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, Quoniam tu solus sanctus / Cum Sancto Spiritu, Symbolum Nicenum, Credo, Credo in unum / Deo Patrem omnipotentem, Et in unum Dominum, Et incarnatus est, Crucifixus, Et resurrexit, Et in Spiritum sanctum Dominum, Confiteor / Et expecto, Osanna, Benedictus,, Agnus Dei, et Dona Nobis Pacem, Osanna in excelsis, Benedictus, Osanna in excelsis, Agnus Dei, Dona nobis pacem

In 2005, the renowned St. Olaf Choir recorded a St. Olaf Christmas in Norway with the Nidarosdomens Jentekor and esteemed soloist Randi Stene in Trondheim, Norway. The recording honors Norway's 100 years of independence and celebrates the historic and cultural connecitons between St. Olaf College and the country of Norway

Songlist: O Nata lux De Lumine, O Come All Ye Faithful, Jeg Er Verdens Lys, Light Everlasting, Et Barn Er Fodt I Bethlehem, Lux Aurumque, O Helga NAtt, Interlude From Rosevinduet, Geistliches Wiegenlied Op. 91, Julemotet, True Light, Carol Of The Bells, Juleverset, O Yule Full Of Gladness, Jeger Sa Glad Hver Julekveld, O Day Full Of Grace, Et Barn Er Fodt I Bethlehem, Lullaby On Christmas Eve, Our Father, Hope For Resolution, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Stay With Us, Beautiful Savior

Recorded in the historic 950-year-old Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway in 2013

Songlist: Adeste Fideles (O Come, All Ye Faithful), The Glory of the Father, The Word Was God, Cradle Hymn, Carol of the Drum, Night of Silence/Silent Night, Na tennes tusen julely, Jeg er sa glad hver julekveld, I Saw Three Ships, Lo, How a Rose e'er Blooming/The Rose, O Day Full of Grace, This Little Light of Mine, Go Where I Send Thee!, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Beautiful Savior, Corde natus ex parentis, Mariavise fra Levanger, Even When He is Silent

Those familiar with the works of St. Olaf's know that the choir is part of a long tradition of Scandinavian chorale singing, which often features the compositions and arrangements of the venerated F. Melius Christiansen. One of his arrangements, "O Day Full of Grace," is included here, as well as a seventeenth century spiritual, "O Savior, Throw the Heavens Wide"; a Greek vespers (evening prayer service) hymn, "Hail, Gladdening Light," and various other liturgies. There is piano accompaniment on "Gloria in excelsis Deo" and the spiritual, "Here's a Pretty Little Baby." The purity of the tones and blend is all the more amazing, as the recording was done live. Elegant and pristine.

Songlist: O Savior, Throw The Heavens Wide, Hail, Gladdening Light, Let All Mortal Flesh, There is No Rose Of Such Virtue, Benedictus, Carols & Lullabies: Christmas In The Southwest, All This Night, In Terra Pax, Cherubim Song, Rejoice, Rejoice This Happy Morn, What Sweeter Music, Gloria In Excelsis Deo, Here's A Pretty Little Baby!, Laudate Dominum (Une Cantate De Noel), Angels' Dance, At The Manger: Carols For Choirs, Night Of Silence / Silent Night, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, O Day Full Of Grace, The Spirit Of The Lord, Once In Royal David's City, Nune Dimittis

This is a 2-CD set of one of the largest and most magnificent Christmas events, the 95th annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, featuring the St. Olaf Choir, St. Olaf Orchestra, St. Olaf Cantorei, Manitou Singers, Chapel Choir and Viking Chorus, performing both as individual groups and a massed ensemble. In reviews of previous festivals, we often wondered if anything had to be left on the cutting room floor, but with this 2-CD set removes all such thoughts. John Steiner's "God So Loved the World," Caroline Jennings' "Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain," "Christ is Alive," Founder F. Melius Christiansen's "Lost in the Night," John Ferguson's "Isaiah's Voice" and "Mary's Story and The Magnificat," Paul Webber's "Arise, Shine," Rosephayne Powell's "The Word Was God," Miles Lane's "All Hail the Power," Benjamin Britten's "The Spirit of the Lord"... these beautiful songs are interspersed with narration about the story of Christmas. If you have heard one or more of these collections, you will know how wonderful and inspiring they are. If you haven't, prepare yourself for a sumptuous Christmas treat!

Songlist: Lo, How A Rose e'er Blooming, God So Loved The World, Climb To The Top Of The Highest Mountain, Christ Is Alive, Christus Paradox, Lost In The Night, Isaiah's Voice, A Spotless Rose, Mary's Story And The Magnificat, The Road Ahead, Arise Shine, And The Glory Of The Lord, Joy To The World, The Word Was God, Karin Boye's Evening Pyayer, Out Of Your Sleep Arise, Gloria, The Godly Stranger, Go Where I Send Thee, O How Beautiful The Sky, Pat-A-Pan, Betelehemu, Go Tell It On The Mountain, Praise To The Lord, The Spirit Of The Lord, All Hail The Power, Beautiful Savior

Northfield, MN's St. Olaf College welcomed author and humorist Garrison Keillor to their campus in spring, 2001 for a benefit performance. It went so well he was back within a year with his "A Prairie Home Companion" for a live broadcast that included repeat performances with the St. Olaf Choir and Orchestra, and the Limestones, a six-male student a cappella vocal ensemble. This CD is all from that live performance. There are 21 songs, narrated throughout by Keillor. His "St. Olaf travelogue, Holiday in Delaware" has the audience in stitches as he describes St. Olaf denizens in hilarious detail, and his "Winter Camping vignette" is a classic. There are purely instrumentals like "Mambo (from West Side Story)," and "Varen (Spring), Op.33, No. 2);" but our favorites are a cappella and accompanied vocal pieces: "Beautiful Savior," "Keep Your Lamps," "Choral Blues," "Have a Little Faith" by the Limestones, "Holy Trinity vignette," "Arroz Con Leche," "Danny Boy," "We Praise You, O God," and "Children of the Heavenly Father." There is some percussion (by the St. Olaf Percussion Ensemble), and accompaniment on some songs. All in all, "Companion" is a fun and entertaining show, and a showcase for the musical talent of all types that clearly flourishes at St. Olaf.

Songlist: Tishomingo Blues, Introduction by Garrison Keillor, Mambo, St. Olaf travelogue: "Holiday in Delaware", Garrison talks about St. Olaf and Christiansen legacy, Beautiful Savior, Garrison talks about St. olaf and is choral tradition, Keep Your Lamps, Garrsion talks about St. Olaf College, Um! Yah! Yah!, Choral Blues, Powdermilk Biscuit Theme, Marimba Spiritual, Have a Little Faith, Holy Trinity Vignette, Arroz Con Leche, Danny Boy, Winter Camping vignette, Varen, We Praise You, O God, Children of the Heavenly Father

Broadcast world-wide in 1989, this program of choral Christmas music was featured in a one-hour PBS special.

Songlist: Messiah, Prince of Peace, Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountian, Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers, Uns Ist Ein King Geboren, Before the Marvel of This Night, O Holy Child, Listen to the Sounds in Heaven, Past three A Clock, There Is No Roase of Such Virtue, A Christmas Carol, Tomarrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Sleep, O Love One, O Bethlehem, Rondeau, Carols from Around the World, Joy to the World, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth, How Still He Lives, Havia Belen Va Un Borrico, Wake, Awake, Ring Out, Ye Crystal Spheres, Beautiful Savior

"Great Hymns of Faith" marks the first time the ensemble has produced an entire recording of hymns. Traditional and new songs of faith include "A Mighty Fortress", "Children of the Heavenly Father", "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross", "Great Is Thy Faithfulness", "Here I Am Lord", as well as F. Melius Christiansen's settings of "Praise to the Lord", and "Beautiful Savior". The selections are performed here with the rich tonalities and emotional impact we've come to expect from the internationally acclaimed St. Olaf Choir.

Songlist: Holy God We Praise Thy Name, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, Praise to The Lord, Rise Up, O Men of God, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, Children of the Heavenly Father, We Praise You. O God, From Heaven Above, O Day Full of Grace, Thy Little Ones, Dear Lord, Beautiful Savior, Blessed Assurance, Abide With Me, What a Friend We Have In Jesus, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Let Us Talents And Tongues Employ, Praise His Holy Name, Here I Am, Lord, Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

The St. Olaf Choir has a long standing reputation of being one of the best college choirs in the country. Great Hymns of Faith II maintains the group's high standards of music making. This recording is a follow up to their immensely popular CD, Great Hymns of Faith, which has sold 270,000 copies. An assortment of some of the best loved hymns, this will surely be a favorite too. Led by Anton Armstrong, the choir sings familiar tunes such as "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," arranged by John Ferguson, "My Faith Looks Up To Thee," arranged by Lowell Mason and "This Little Light of Mine," arranged by Moses Hogan, as well as many arrangements by founder F.M. Christiansen. This CD also includes very informative notes on the meanings and original sources for the hymns. An excellent recording!

Songlist: All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name, How Can I Keep from Singin, I Was There to Heads, Lift Up Your Heads, In the Bleak Midwinter, Hope for Resolution, The Hills Are bare at Bethlehem, My Faith Looks Up to Thee, When Peace Like a River (It Is Well With My Soul), Lamb of God, The Church's One Foundation, The King of Love My Shepherd Is, Holy, Holy, Holy, Jesus Loves Me, Amazing Grace, This Little Light of Mine, Go, My Children

This recording of the St. Olaf Choir conducted by Dr. Anton Armstrong entitled Hallelujah! We Sing Your Praises! features many highlights of the choir's recent touring repertoire. These choral settings reflect the increasing musical diversity that has become a hallmark of the ensemble.

Songlist: Cantate Domino, Set Me As a Seal, Keep Your Lamps, Angels' Carol, Alleluia, A La Nanita, Beautiful Savior, Lord, Thee I Love, I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me, Singabahambayo, Crucifixus, Ah, Holy Jesus, Kyrieleis, What Wondrous Love, Haleluya! Pelo Tsa Rona

St. Olaf College of Northfield, MN celebrated the first St. Olaf Christmas Festival in 1912, directed by F. Melius Christiansen, founder of the St. Olaf Music Department. The Festival tells the story of the birth of Christ in narration and music, and features The St. Olaf Orchestra, St. Olaf Cantorei, Manitou Singers, St. Olaf Chapel Choir and Viking Chorus, performing both as individual groups and as a massed ensemble. "Light of All Creation" is a 2-CD set, with 15 songs on Disc 1 and 16 songs on Disc 2. Most of the songs are orchestrally accompanied, and there are familiar carols like "All Creatures of Our God and King," "Angels from the Realms of Glory," "O Come, All Ye Faithful," "Good Christian Friends," "E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come," the traditional French carol "What is this Lovely Fragrance" and F. Melius Christiansen's lovely "Beautiful Savior." We were pleased to hear some less familiar and new Christmas songs here, such as Richard Dirksen's "Christ, Mighty Savior," Charles Wood's "O Thou the Central Orb," Joseph Clokey's "Two Kings," Dala Melody's "Prepare the Way," Stanford Scriven's "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree," the Nigerian Folk Song "Oba Se Je" and Dale Wood's "Rise, Shine You People." Other favorites are Rene Clausen's "Psalm 100: Make a Joyful Noise," Benjamin Britten's "Procession and Balulalow" (Ceremony of Carols) and Brian A. Schmidt's "Lux Aeterna." Christmas at St. Olaf" is always a memorable, magnificent event, and each year seems to be even more so, but "Light of All Creation" is one of the best we've ever heard!

Songlist: The Pines of the Janiculum (The Pines of Rome), Narration, Christ, Mighty Savior, O Thou The Central Orb, Narration, All Creatures of Our God and King, Finale (Symphony No.2 Op. 52, "Lobgesang"), Two Kings, Prepare the Way, All This Night, Lux Aeterna, Psalm 100: Make A Joyful Noise, Angels, From The Realms Of Glory, Readings ( Isaiah 60 and Luke 2), Sanctus (Requiem), O Come, All Ye Faithful, In Dulce Jubilo, Procession and Balulalow (Ceremony of Carols), What Is This Lovely Fragrance?, Jesus Christ The Apple Tree, Glory Hallelujah To The New Born King, Oba Se Je, Rejoice!, Good Christian Friends, Carols For Choir And Orchestra, Praise To The Lord, Gloria Patri (Magnificat), Rise, Shine, You People!, Narration, E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come, and more

The St. Olaf Choir was formed in 1911 by Dr. F Melius Christiansen, a Norwegian immigrant. So began a tradition of a cappella choral sacred music that remains strong and vital today. 23 pieces, such songs as Edward Elgar's "Adagio," Christiansen's "Light Everlasting," and "The Song Of Peace," Bartholdi's "There Shall Be A Star," Paulus' "Pilgrim's Hymn," Daniel Gawthrop's "Mary Speaks," Paul Lohman's "What Child," our friend Moses Hogan's arrangement of "This Little Light of Mine," Williams' "Dona Nobis Pacem," Hovland's "Stay With Us" and "Beautiful Savior." The music is that of angels, and the focus of this wonderful CD is what the holiday is all about, the birth of Christ. Excellent!

Songlist: Adagio (Enigma Variations), Light Everlasting, Keep Your Lamps, There Shall A Star, Lost in the Night, Pilgrim's Hymn, Adam Lay Ybounden, All This Night, Mary Speaks, Gloria, What Child, Midnight Clear, Come to the Cradle, The Song of Peace, The Little Light of Mine, Oh, How Joyfully, Pat-A-Pan, Carols for Choir and Orchestra, O Day Full of Grace, Dona Nobis Pacem, Narration, Stay With Us, Beautiful Savior

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of their founding in 1986 as a co-ed a cappella rock and pop group from the University of Pennsylvania, the Loafers have appeared over the years on a number of excellent compilations of the best of collegiate a cappella; and on their own CDs, such as 1997's "Diesel," 1998's "Ride!," 2000's "On the Floor," 2002's "Stealing Time" and 2004's "Barely Legal." "Quicksand" has 14 rich, beautifully-arranged covers; a pair by Snow Patrol, "Chocolate" and "Run;" Maya Varthi has a wonderful lead on Aimee Mann's "Humpty Dumpty," and there's a pair of hot covers of Kelly Clarkson's "Because of You" and "Addicted," again featuring Varthi. Beck's "Girl," Chantal Kreviazuk's "Time" and Sia's "Breathe Me" are other favorites. The Loafers have a full, rich, confident sound with some of the best soloists we've heard at the collegiate level. Treat yourself to "Quicksand" and fall in love with the '05-'06 Penny Loafers!

Songlist: Requiem, Kyrie, Dies Irae, Tuba Mirum, Rex Tremendae, Recordare, Confutatis, Lacrimosa, Domine Jesu, Hostias, Sanctus, Benedictus, Agnus Dei, Lux Aeterna, Overture, Introit, Dies Irae, Offertorium, Sanctus, Agnus Dei Positude

The St. Olaf Choir was founded by F. Melius Christiansen in 1911 who had come to St. Olaf College in 1903 to organize the music department. It was he who fostered the tradition of a cappella sacred music. Now Anton Armstrong is the fourth conductor in the history of the choir who adds his interest in the Western European choral music and both U.S. and global folk music into the repertorial mix of this historic choir. Thus we'll find folk songs, Bach, Rachmaninoff, and compositions of Kenneth Jennings who was the choir's third director. You will share sacred music from a variety of countries in a whole host of musical settings, from pure a cappella to selections accompanied by solo piano, organ, or viola. Lovely!

Songlist: God is Here, Fairest Lord Jesus, Der Geist hilft unsrerSchwachheit auf, Bogoroditse Devo, Our Father, Noel: Christmas Eve, The Lord is an Evelasting God, Stabat Mater, Before I Go My Way, Daemon Irrepit Callidus, Water Night, Yom Seh Le-Yisrael, Take My Hand, Precious Lord, My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord

One of the most enduring musical Christmas traditions, Northfield, Minnesota's St. Olaf College celebrated its 97th Annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival in December of 2008. This massive event features the St. Olaf Choir, St. Olaf Cantorei, Manitou Singers, St. Olaf Chapel Choir and Viking Chorus, performing both as individual groups and as a massed ensemble with the St. Olaf Orchestra. The program is narrated, telling the story of the birth of Christ, "illustrated" by carols, spirituals, classical Christian pieces and original songs such as the final cut, "Beautiful Savior," written by the founder of the Festival and St. Olaf's musical program, F. Melius Christiansen. Presenting this 32-part event in its entirety requires two CDs, beginning with Steven Amundson's "The Gift," and it's hard to pick favorites. Certainly the 6-part "Carols from Around the World" medley needs to be included, the a cappella "How Great Are Thy Wonders," Z. Randall Stroope's accompanied "There Is No Rose," the Basque Carol "The Angel Gabriel," the Irish traditional "Canticle of the Turning," Jester Hairston's "Mary's Little Boy Child," Gian Carl Menotti's "Shepherd's Dance," and the Danish tune "Bright and Glorious is the Sky." A tremendous event, filled with joyous singing and the telling of a wonderful story. Entensive liner notes give us the lyrics to all songs, and details about the music and St. Olaf College.

Songlist: The Gift, Keep Your Lamps, Narration, A New Magnificat, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Awake The Harp (The Creation), How Great Are Thy Wonders, There Is No Rose, Magnificat "Collegium Regale", Welcome, All Wonders, The Angel Gabriel, Canticle of the Turning (stanzas 1-2), Gospel Reading, Canticle of the Turning (stanzas 3-4), Joy to The World, Gloria, Dona Nobis Pacem, Alleluya, A New Work Is Come On Hand, What Wonderous Love, Mary's Little Boy Chile, Noel, Sanctus (Mass), Shepherd's Dance, Bright and Glorious Is the Sky, Carols From Around the World, Joy to the World, O Day Full of Grace, In Endless Morn of Light, Once in Royal David's City, Nunc Dimittis, and more

For many people over the years, the celebration of the Advent-Christmas-Epiphany season has begun with the annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival, a cherished tradition of the college for nearly a century. The first festival, in 1912, was a worship service in song for the college community, planned and directed by F. Melius Christiansen, founder of the St. Olaf, a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.. Performing both as individual groups and as a massed ensemble are: The St. Olaf Choir, directed by Christopher Aspaas; The St. Olaf Cantorei, directed by John Ferguson; the Manitou Singers, directed by Sigrid Johnson; and the St. Olaf Orchestra, directed by Steven Amundson.

Songlist: Messiah, Prince Of Peace, My Song In The Night, Comfort: Comfort, Narration, Come Thou Long Expected Jesus, There Shall A Star, Lift Up Your Heads, Two Kings, The Best Of Rooms, From Heaven Above, Sweet Was The Song, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, Gospel, O Come, All Ye Faithful, Gaudette, Silent Night, I Saw Ships, God's Son Has Made Me Free, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, Gloria, Shepard's Jubilee, Angels' We Have Heard On High, A Christmas Carol, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Narration, Glorification, Ring Out, Ye Crystal Spheres, Once In Royal David's City, Narration, and more

Out of Darkness Let Me Shine is the 75th anniversary recording of the Christmas at St. Olaf festival. This program features the many combined choirs and orchestra of this legendary musical institution. Selections include many hymns set by the music school founder F. M. Christiansen (This Night; Praise to the Lord; Beautiful Savior) and his son and successor Olaf (Guiding Star Carol; Now is Born Emmanuel) and pieces by George F. Handel (And the Glory of the Lord from Messiah)and Randall Thompson (Walk as Children of Light). This CD is full of a variety which is sure to have something for everyone.

Songlist: This Night, In the Beginning, Appalachian Spring (excerpt), O Come, All Ye Faithful, And the Glory of the Lord from "Messaih", O Magnum Mysterium, Ding-Dong Merrily On High, Glorify the Lord With Me, Good Christian Friends, Rejoice, O Gladsome Light, Sing A New Noel, Danse Vllageoise from "Suite Pastorale", Today There Is Ringing, Guiding Star Carol, Lullaby on CHristmas Eve, Now Is Born Emmanuel, Angels from the Realms of Glory, Alleluia from "Brazilian Psalm", Sanctus from "Missa Brevis", The Godly Stranger, Walk As Children of the Light, Praise To the Lord, Psalm 150 (excerpt), Rise, Shine, You People, Beautiful Savior

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of its founding, the St. Olaf Choir under the direction of Kenneth Jennings embarked on its first tour of the Orient. The choir sang concerts in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the People's Republic of China and Hawaii. The tour was preceded by a gala concert at the World Theater in St. Paul.

Songlist: Sicut Cervus, Gloria, Laudate, Nunc Dimittis, Ejszaka/Reggel, The Promise of Living, Trols Chansons (Three Songs)I. dieu! Qu'il la fait bon regarderII. Quant j'ai ouy le tabourinIII. Yver, vous n'estes qu'un villain, A Feast of Lanterns, Two Japanese Folk SongsI. Chin Chin Chi Dori (A Plover's Song)II. Hanagasa-ordori (Umbrella Flower Dance), Go Tell it to The Mountian, Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit, Kangding Qingge (Love Song of Kangding), Pastorale (East Mongolian Folk Song)

This recording by the St. Olaf Choir under the direction of Kenneth Jennings was recorded live in The Grieg Hall at the Bergen International Festival in Bergen, Norway. The critics were unanimous in their praise of the concert: On many occasions we have had proof of the high standards of American University choirs, but among these St. Olaf stands at the very top . . . --Anton Chr. Meyer, Morgenavisen Bergen International Music Festival Of the many American choirs which have come to Norway over the years, St. Olaf Choir must be the very best. --Johan Kvandal, Aftenposten, Oslo

Songlist: Brazilian Psalm, I'm Going Home, I Believe This Is Jesus, Praise To The Lord, Sommersalm, Och Jungfrun Hon Gar I Ringen, Norge, Mitt Norge, Hvad Est Du Dog Skjon, O Crux, The Exaltation Of Christ

St. Olaf Choir : Rejoice, Give Thanks, and Sing    

What a milestone! This was the 100th annual Christmas Festival Concert at this venerated institution. This CD is from the PBS television special that broadcasts nationally and has become quite the Holiday tradition in many homes across the country. A magnificent way to get into the festive mood.

Songlist: Adagio "Nimrod" (Enigma Variations), As the Dark Awaits the Dawnz, Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers, Te Deum laudamus, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, Twas in the Moon of Wintertime, O Day Full of Grace, Deepest Heart, A Hymn of the Nativity, God's Word is Our Great Heritage, O Come, All Ye Faithful, Shepherd's Pipe Carol, Today the Virgin, Infant Holy, This Little Babe, Christ the Apple Tree, The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy, Noel, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Ring Gladsome Bells, Lullaby on Christmas Eve, Psalm 50 (Movement III), Ring Out, Ye Crystal Spheres, Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart, Stay With Us (Captive and Free), Beautiful Savior

Recorded on the campus of St. Olaf College in Boe Memorial Chapel between 2001 and 2006 this recording presents a great selection of material from this top a cappella choir. Whitacre's "A Boy and a Girl" is a particular delight.

Songlist: Jachzet, dem Herrn, alle Welt, When David Heard, In Slumber, Peaceful Slumber, Misa Brevis in B-flat Major, Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus, Agnus Dei, Schaffe in min, Gott, Mass for Double Choir Sanctus, Mass for Double Choir Agnus, In Remembrance, Sing Me to Heaven, Be Tho a Smooth Way, Amor de mi alma, A Boy and a Girl, O My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose, If Music Be the Food of Love, Gospel Mass, Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Acclamation, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, John the Revelator

For nearly a century the 75-voice a cappella St. Olaf Choir, long regarded as one of the finest college a cappella choirs in the United States, has maintained its original purpose--study and preparation of choral literature for public performance. Recorded live in St. Olaf's Boe Memorial Chapel between 2001 and 2008, "Repertoire for Mixed Voices" is a generous, impressive 2-CD set, with 11 songs on each disc, is a powerful, joyous, sometimes accompanied collection of sacred Christian music. Some favorites are Lassus' "Jubilate Deo," Byrd's "Ave Verum Corpus," a pair by Bach, "Singet dem Herrn" and "Lobet den Herrn," three by Kenneth Jennings, "The Call," "Prayer" and "Antiphon." On Disc 2 we especially liked G. Randall Stroope's "Conversion of Saul," Tacach's "The Darkling Thrush," Miskinis' "Lucis Creator Optime," "Tankuj Tankuij," Susa's "The Shepherds Sing," Guastavino's "Arroz con leche" and many others. This is a remarkable, inspirational collection that shows of the clear, soaring sound and rich harmonies of the St. Olaf Choir, one of the best in the United States!

Songlist: Jubilate Deo, Ave Verum Corpus, Elohim Hashivenu, Singet dem Herrn, Lobet den Herrn, Agnus Dei, Light's Glittering Morn, The Call: Spiritual Song 1, Prayer: Spiritual Song 2, Antiphon: Spiritual Song 3, The Shepherds Sing, Ave Verum Corpus, Conversions of Saul, Lucis Creator Optime, Musicks Empire, The Darling Thrush, Tancuj Tancuj, Duerme Negrito, What A Wonderful World, Arroz con Leche, Abide With Me, Let Everything That Hath Breath

An invitation to participate in the seoul Olympic Arts Festival in seoul, Korea, came as a spectacular honor to the St. Olaf Choir and director Kenneth Jennings . One of only five choirs in the world to be so honored, the St. Olaf Choir participated with four other choral groups, one each from Germany, Brazil, Canada and Japan, in a week-long International Choral Festival as part of a month-long celebration of the arts prior to the opening of the 1988 seoul Olympic Games. This two-disc live recording is from the "Regents' Concert" in Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, on August 11, 1988, sponsored by the St. Olaf College Board of Regents as a festive send-off for the choir.

Songlist: Singet Dem Herrn, Psalm 50, Vision of Peace, Collect for Peace, Alleluia, All You Works of the Lord, I Saw A Stranger Yestere'en, In the Beginning, Gloria Dios, I'm Going Home, Keep Your Lamps!, Two Korean Folk Songs, Shenandoah, Beautiful Savior

The St. Olaf Choir, under the direction of Kenneth Jennings, sings a variety of Christmas music and Brahms' Liebeslieder Waltzes on this beautiful recording.

Songlist: O Yule, Full Of Gladness, Carol Of The Drums, Thy Little Ones, Dear Lord, Are We, Glory Be To God, Jeg er sa glad (I an so glad), A Spotless Rose, The Christmas Symbol, Wake, Awake for Night is Flying, Sanctus, New Songs Of Love

William Levi Dawson, born in 1899, was educated at Tuskegee Institute, the Horner Institute of Fine Arts, and the American Conservatory, and wrote his own "Dawson's Negro Folk Symphony" in 1934. He began publishing and recording his arrangements of traditional African-American spirituals in 1955, lovingly recorded here by the acclaimed St. Olaf Choir with Marvis Martin, soprano. Included are "Ain'-a That Good News," "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "Soon Ah Will Be Done," "In His Care-O," "Hail Mary," "Mary Had A Baby," "Behold The Star," "There Is A Balm In Gilead," "Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit," "Steal Away" and "Ezekiel Saw de Wheel." All a cappella, nice liner notes, great music!

Songlist: Ain' -A That Good News!, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Soon Ah Will Be Done, In His Care-O, Hail Mary, Mary Had A Baby, Behold The Star, There Is A Balm In Gilead, Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit, Steal Away, Ezekiel Saw De Wheel

A Christmas Tradition at St. Olaf College in Northville, MN, since it was begun in 1912 by the late F. Melius Christianson, the St. Olaf Christmas Festival is an expression of the school's Christian conviction and rich musical heritage. Included are the St. Olaf Choir, chapel Choir and the Viking Chorus, the Campus Choir, the Manitou Singers, the St. Olaf College Orchestra and the St. Olaf Handbell Ensemble. Thousands of people attend the concerts year after year, and they are treated to a magnificent, dramatic retelling of the Christmas story in song. All orchestrally accompanied, there are 21 songs, beginning with the magical "Fantasia on Greensleeves" and continuing from the sacred, like "Vox Dicentis: Clama" and "Hodie, Christus Natus Est," to familiar carols, "Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming?," the title tune and "I Saw Three Ships," to the eclectic, lesser-known Christian music, "And God Said: The Day Shall Dawn" and "Salvation Is Created." "What Child Is This" is a wonderful collection of choral and orchestral talent, marvelous music arranged and directed by the finest, culminating in a huge, multi-faceted pageant of celebration and praise!

Songlist: Fantasia On Greensleeves, Lift Up Your Heads, Ruler Of Heaven, Vox Dicentis: Clama, Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming?, Softly, Softly Fell The Snow, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Salvation Is Created, Hodie, Christus Natus Est, Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful, From Heaven Winging, Shepherds, Shake Off Your Drowsy Sleep, From Heaven Above, Dance Of The Shepherds, What Child Is This?, Carols For The Choirs, Praise The Lord, O My Soul, I Saw Three Ships, O Day Full Of Grace, And God Said: The Day Shall Dawn, All Hail The Power Of Jesus' Name

Songlist: The Hills are Bare At Bethlehem, Epilogue: The Flower, Welcome All Wonders, What Wonderous Love, Let All Mortal Flesh, Alleluia, Make A Joyful Noise, Ave Maria, Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming, In Thee Is Gladness, Joy to the World, O Holy Child, Candlelight Carol, Make We Merry On This Fest, Bergamasea, Midnight Clear, Carols For the Choirs, Lullaby on Christmas Eve, A Spotless Rose, African Noel, And God Said: One Day Shall Dawn, Recessional: Love Divine, All Love Excelling, Beautiful Savior

F. Melius Christiansen, founder of the Music Department at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, planned and directed the first St. Olaf Christmas Festival in 1912. Over the next 96 years the Festival has grown to include, as individual groups and as a massed ensemble, the St. Olaf Choir, the St. Olaf Orchestra, the St. Olaf Cantorei, The Manitou Singers and the Viking Chorus and Chapel Choir. The result of the coming together of all this huge and joyous talent easily fills two CDs, 30 pieces with some narration that tell the story of Christmas, beginning with the all-instrumental "Messiah, Prince of Peace" and ending with F. Melius' gorgeous "Beautiful Savior." It's hard to pick favorites, but "For Unto Us a Child is Born" from Handel's "Messiah," Steven Sametz' "Noel!," Carl Schalk's "Before the Marvel of This Night," Donald Fraser's "This Christmastide" (Jessye's Carol), the 6-part medley "Carols for the Choirs" arranged by John Ferguson, F. Melius' lovely "Lullaby on Christmas Eve" and Arthur Honegger's "And God Said: One Day Shall Dawn" (King David) come easily to mind. The recordings from this powerful event never fail to touch and move us. Magnificent!

Songlist: Messiah, Prince of Peace (Trinity Canticles), Prologue (The Apostles), Narration- Pastor Bruce Benson, Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, For Unto Us A Child is Born (Messiah), Alpha to Omega, Entrance Scene: Lord Hosanna (Advent Motet), How Lovely Are the Messengers (St. Paul), Gloria, Noel!, Gloria, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, Gospel (Luke 2:1-20)- Pastors Bruce Benson and Jennifer KoenigIn Terra Pax (Excerpt), Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Before the Marvel of this Night, Gloria, Balulalow, In Thee is Gladness, The Song of Peace, Ding, Dong! Merrily on High, The Christmastide (Jessye's Carol), Good Christian Friends, Rejoice, Glories Ring, Carols for the Choirs: Love Has Come, Carols for the Choirs: On Christmas Night, Carols for the Choirs: Toda La Tierra (All Earth Is Hopeful), Carols for the Choirs: Jeg er Sa Glad (I Am So Glad), Carols for the Choirs: Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht (Silent Night, Holy Night), Carols for the Choirs: Joy to the World, Lullaby on Christmas Eve, and more

Anton Armstrong conducts the St. Olaf Choir in 14 sacred and traditional Christian songs: Robert Stone's "The Lord's Prayer," Palestrina's "Exsultate Deo," Juan de Lienas' "Coenantibus Autem Illis," Ned Rorem's "Praise The Lord, O My Soul, Roberto Caamano's "Dilexi, Quoniam Exaudiet Dominus," Robert A. Harris' "Canticle: The Hungry Angels," "Lord Of The Dance," Steven Leek's "Ngana (Songs of Passage), "Three Scottish Folk Songs," "Halle, Halle, Halle," Allen Pote's "The Lord Is My Shepherd" and Byron J. Smith's "Worthy To Be Praised." Extensive liner notes with all the words. All a cappella, and of the highest quality, as we've come to expect from the St. Olaf Choir!

Songlist: The Lord's Prayer, Exsultate Deo, Coenantibus Autem Illis, Praise The Lord, O My Soul, Dilexi, Quoniam Wxaudiet Dominus, Canticle: The Hungry Angels, Lord Of The Dance, Ngana (Songs Of passage), Three Scottish Folk Songs, O Whistle And I'll Come To Ye, My Love's In Germany, I'll Ay Call In By Yon Town, Halle, Halle, Halle, The Lord Is My Shepard, Worthy To Be Praised

The St. Olaf Choir was formed in 1911 by Dr. F Melius Christiansen, a Norwegian immigrant. So began a tradition of a cappella choral singing that continues under the present direction of Anton Armstrong, himself an alumnus of St. Olaf College. Armstrong has incorporated compositions from other cultures, which comprise a good portion of this CD's content. The Latvian "Ai, Nama Mamina," South-African "Freedom Is Coming" and Chinese Folk Song, "Peng You," among others, offer fresh contrast. Several tracks have unassuming accompaniment, such as the flute on "Water Under Snow Is Weary." The arrangements are conventional in approach and seek to calm, rather than excite. The overall vocal timbre, while grounded in the Western classical tradition, retains a natural unstudied quality.

Songlist: My Song In The Night, Freedom Is Coming, P'eng You, This Christmastide (Jesse's Carol), Jeg Er Sa Glad Hver Julekveld, The Friendly Beasts, Angel's Carol, Carol Of the Bells, Water Under Snow Is Weary, Ai, Nama Mamina, O Yule Full Of Gladness, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Star In The East: A Suite Of Carols, I Believe This Is Jesus, A La Nanita, El Nino, Go Where I Send Thee

In June of 2013, the St. Olaf Choir embarked on a centennial tour that retraced the steps of the ensemble's 1913 journey to Norway. 100 Years: The St. Olaf Choir in Norway takes viewers on the road with the choir across the best that Norway has to offer. Highlights include a visit to the U.S. ambassador's residence, performing for a royal audience member at the Oslo Konserthus, traveling through the heart of the Norwegian fjord region, homestays in Snasa (birthplace of college founder Bernt Julius Muus), the famed Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, and other cultural connections between St. Olaf College and Norway. The documentary features many of the pieces performed on the tour, interviews with Conductor Anton Armstrong '78 and students, spectacular views of Norway, and a few surprises. Join the choir as they travel through Norway on this unforgettable journey.

This special is the seventh in a popular series of PBS holiday concerts that have featured the St. Olaf Choir. The Christmas concert commemorates the centennial of Norway's independence and the cultural roots of St. Olaf College, founded in 1874 by Norwegian Lutheran immigrants. Singing in the majestic, 900-year-old Trondheim Cathedral was a highlight for the internationally known St. Olaf Choir, which has performed in prestigious music venues around the world since its founding in 1912 by F. Melius Christiansen, a Norwegian immigrant. Christiansen established the choir's distinctive style of a cappella singing, a tradition carried on today by artistic director and conductor-and St. Olaf College alumnus-Anton Armstrong.

Songlist: Introduction, Canticles Of Light, O Come All Ye Faithful, Lux Aurumque, O Helga Natt True Light, Intermission, Juleverset, O Yule, Full Of Grace, Jeg er sa' glad hver Julekveld, Carol Of The Bells, Lullyby On Christmas Eve, Our Father, Hope For Resolution, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Stay With Us, Beautiful Savior, Light Everlasting, Et Barn Er Fodt I Bethlehem, Julemotet, Geistliches Wiegenlied Op. 91 no. 2, Jeg Er Verdens Lys, O Day Full Of Grace

Recorded in the historic 950-year-old Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway in 2013.

Songlist: Adeste Fideles (O Come, All Ye Faithful), The Glory of the Father, The Word Was God, Cradle Hymn, Carol of the Drum, Night of Silence/Silent Night, Na tennes tusen julely, Jeg er sa glad hver julekveld, I Saw Three Ships, Lo, How a Rose e'er Blooming/The Rose, O Day Full of Grace, This Little Light of Mine, Go Where I Send Thee!, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Beautiful Savior, Corde natus ex parentis, Mariavise fra Levanger, Even When He is Silent

The St. Olaf Choir was formed in 1911 by Dr. F Melius Christiansen, a Norwegian immigrant. So began a tradition of a cappella choral sacred music that remains strong and vital today. 23 pieces, such songs as Edward Elgar's "Adagio," Christiansen's "Light Everlasting," and "The Song Of Peace," Bartholdi's "There Shall Be A Star," Paulus' "Pilgrim's Hymn," Daniel Gawthrop's "Mary Speaks," Paul Lohman's "What Child," our friend Moses Hogan's arrangement of "This Little Light of Mine," Williams' "Dona Nobis Pacem," Hovland's "Stay With Us" and "Beautiful Savior." The music is that of angels, and the focus of this wonderful CD is what the holiday is all about, the birth of Christ. Excellent!

Songlist: Adagio (Enigma Variations) (Edward Elgar), Light Everlasting (Olaf C. Christiansen), Keep Your Lamps (arr. Andre Thomas), There Shall A Star (Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy), Lost in the Night (arr. Kyle Haugen), Pilgrim's Hymn (Stephen Paulus), Adam Lay Ybounden (Richard Webster), All This Night (Robert Scholz), Mary Speaks (Daniel Gawthrop), Gloria (Jeffrey Rickard), What Child (Paul Lohman), Midnight Clear (Russell Schultz-Widmar, arr. Robert Scholz), Come to the Cradle (Cathy and Laura Conger, arr. Robert Scholz), The Song of Peace (Olaf C. Christiansen), The Little Light of Mine (arr. Moses Hogan), Oh, How Joyfully (Andrew Carter), Pat-A-Pan (Hershy Kay), Carols for Choir and Orchestra (arr. John Ferguson), O Day Full of Grace (Christoph E. F. Weyse, arr. F. Melius Christiansen), Dona Nobis Pacem (Ralph Vaughan Williams), Narration, Stay With Us (Egil Howland), Beautiful Savior (arr. F. Melius Christiansen)

What a milestone! This was the 100th annual Christmas Festival Concert at this venerated institution. This DVD is the PBS television special that broadcasts nationally and has become quite the Holiday tradition in many homes across the country. A magnificent way to get into the festive mood.

Songlist: Adagio "Nimrod" (Enigma Variations), As the Dark Awaits the Dawnz, Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers, Te Deum laudamus, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, Twas in the Moon of Wintertime, O Day Full of Grace, Deepest Heart, A Hymn of the Nativity, God's Word is Our Great Heritage, O Come, All Ye Faithful, Shepherd's Pipe Carol, Today the Virgin, Infant Holy, This Little Babe, Christ the Apple Tree, The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy, Noel, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Ring Gladsome Bells, Lullaby on Christmas Eve, Psalm 50 (Movement III), Ring Out, Ye Crystal Spheres, Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart, Stay With Us (Captive and Free), Beautiful Savior

F. Melius Christiansen, founder of the Music Department at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, planned and directed the first St. Olaf Christmas Festival in 1912. Over the next 96 years the Festival has grown to include, as individual groups and as a massed ensemble, the St. Olaf Choir, the St. Olaf Orchestra, the St. Olaf Cantorei, The Manitou Singers and the Viking Chorus and Chapel Choir. The result of the coming together of all this huge and joyous talent easily fills two CDs, 30 pieces with some narration that tell the story of Christmas, beginning with the all-instrumental "Messiah, Prince of Peace" and ending with F. Melius' gorgeous "Beautiful Savior." It's hard to pick favorites, but "For Unto Us a Child is Born" from Handel's "Messiah," Steven Sametz' "Noel!," Carl Schalk's "Before the Marvel of This Night," Donald Fraser's "This Christmastide" (Jessye's Carol), the 6-part medley "Carols for the Choirs" arranged by John Ferguson, F. Melius' lovely "Lullaby on Christmas Eve" and Arthur Honegger's "And God Said: One Day Shall Dawn" (King David) come easily to mind.

Songlist: PBS Introduction, The Song of Peace, Messiah, Prince of Peace (Trinity Canticles), Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, For Unto Us A Child is Born (Messiah), In Terra Pax (Excerpt), Before the Marvel of this Night, Gloria, In Thee is Gladness, The Christmastide (Jessye's Carol), Conductors' And Students' Comments, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Noel!, Ding, Dong! Merrily on High, Glories Ring, Carols for the Choirs: He Came Down tha We May Have Love, Carols for the Choirs: Love Has Come, Carols for the Choirs: On Christmas Night, Carols for the Choirs: Toda La Tierra (All Earth Is Hopeful), Carols for the Choirs: Jeg er Sa Glad (I Am So Glad), Carols for the Choirs: Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht (Silent Night, Holy Night), Joy to the World, And God Said: One Day Shall Dawn (King David), Beautiful Savior