Northfield, MN's St. Olaf College offers an academically education with a vibrant faith tradition. The Manitou Singers, comprised of 100 first year women students, have a repertoire that ranges from sacred to secular to popular ballads, and their performances have broad appeal on and off campus. This live recording is from the Singers' performance at the popular St. Olaf Christmas Festival, and includes 17 songs. Favorites are standards such as the carols such as "O Little Town of Bethlehem, "What Child is This" and "I Saw Three Ships," as well as lesser known pieces like William Mathais' "Susanni," Daniel Gawthrop's "Mary Speaks," David Conte's "A Stable Lamp is Lighted," Ian Kellam's "Alpha to Omega" and Benjamin Britten's "Procession and Balulalow" (Ceremony of Carols). There are some wonderful songs we are hearing for the first time, and beautifully done standards on this generous Christmas collection! |
