Annabelle Cruz, founder and Director, brings us a sweet Christmas CD by her very special international choir of boys and girls, ages 7 to 15. Annabelle encouraged them to celebrate their unique sound, and they took off from there, expanding into singing 2 to 4-part harmonies, song arranging and even composing. There are 18 songs, recorded before a live audience at St. Dominic's Church in Benicia, CA. Some are familiar, such as "Carol of the Bells," "Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella," "Gloria/Silent Night," "O Come, O Come Emmanuel, "Alleluia/Amazing Grace," "Angels We Have Heard On High" and "Ave Maria/Holy Child of God." Less familiar but equally wonderful are "Alabanza," the South African carols "Siyahamba," Tchotcholosa" and "Gabbi Gabbi," the Ladino song "Cuando El Rey Nimrod," and the traditional Appalachian and German carols "The Cherry Tree Carol" and "O Come Little Children." Some light percussion and xylophone on some songs. The collection finishes with Praetorius' "Jubilate Deo" and "In My Eyes" by 13-year-old choir member Madeleine Quandt. Another beautiful, recommended CD by VOENA! |
