Founder and Artistic Director Julia J. White leads her 200-strong, 3-choir SVCC, pride of Harrisonburg, PA, in this feel-good, generous Holiday album. The 19 well-chosen tunes are lightly accompanied by guest instrumentalists, playing flute, piano, organ, percussion and bass. Seven songs are by the Concert Choir of 2007-08, four songs by the Preparatory and Treble Choirs, and eight songs are by the Concert Choir of 2008-09. Our favorites are Eleanor Daly's "What Sweeter Music," the West Indian Spiritual "The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy," Baruch J. Cohon's "Hanerot Halalu" (Song for Hanukah), Bob Chilcott's "The Child," Rogers & Hammerstein's "My Favorite Things," Domenico Scarlatti's "We Will Sing for Joy," Purcell's "Celebrate this Happy, Holy Day," the traditional song "Jingle Bell Swing," John Rutter's "Carol of the Children," the South African Christmas anthem "Come Colors Rise," the traditional "Sunny Bank" and the final cut, the title tune. The spirited, angelic young voices of the SVCC in harmony and the lovely selection of Christmas songs from all over the world-it's a combination that will make a great holiday gift for you and your loved ones! |
