The "Apple-Tree Wassail" comes from the cider country of Devon and Somerset, where it might be sung in the orchards or at the farmer's door. Wassail comes from the Anglo-Saxon wes hael - to be healthy. "The Green Shores of Fogo" bears marks of Irish provenance, although its musical origins were lost before Kenneth Peacock collected the song from Mrs. John Fogarty in 1952. The tune, which Peacock considered one of the most beautiful modal melodies he had ever heard, has attracted more than one set of lyrics, and is also known in Newfoundland as "The Blooming Bright Star of Belle Isle." Colcannon, made from various combinations of cabbage, kale, onions, scallions and potatoes mashed with butter and milk, is one of Ireland's most famous traditional dishes. Although this piece at first seems like a tribute to food, it's really a tribute to memory, and to times gone. The verses take us from the home, to the school, to courting on a country lane, with the narrator a little older in every verse, and a little more aware of the magic of the moment. "Girl of the Branches" emulates the long phrases and finely developed breath control that is a hallmark of Gaelic singing. Also included is the Jutland folk song "When The Star Falls".

Songlist: Girl of the Branches (Nighean nan Geug), When the Stars Fall, Colcannon, The Green Shores of Fogo, Apple-Tree Wassail

Artistic Director Elaine Quilichini founded the Calgary Girls Choir in 1995, an award-winning community choir known for its outstanding performance of a wide variety of musical styles and challenging repertoire. The Choir offers five programs for girls and young women, of which two, "Allegra," a preparatory choir for girls ages 6 to 11 years, and "Brava," winner of many provincial and national music awards. 15 Christmas songs, all accompanied by light piano, beginning with the title cut, a medley of the "7 Joys," including "This Is The Truth," "Din, Don! Merrily on High," "Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine," "Patapan," "Fum, fum, fum!" and others; Schubert's "Ave Maria," "Once In Royal David's City," the Czech folksong "Zither Carol," "Al Shlosha D'Varim," the lovely "Candles, Candles," "The Carol of the Rose," "Apple-Tree Wassail," and standard carols "Fa La, La, La, La" and "Silent Night," "A Celtic Blessing" and others. A lovely Christmas winner from one of Canada's most talented and beloved children's choirs. 

Songlist: The Joy of Love: This is the truth, The Joy of Bells: Din don! merrily on high, The Joy of Mary: Joseph dearest, Joseph mine, The Joy of Children: Patapan, The Joy of the New Year: New Year Song, The Joy of Dance: Fum, fum, fum, The Joy of Song: God bless the master of this house, Ave Maria, The little road to Bethlehem, Once in Royal David's City, The Little Jesus Came to Town, Zither Carol, Candles, Candles, Al Shlosha D'Varim, The Carol of the Rose, In the Bleak Mid-Winter, Carols of French Canada, Apple-Tree Wassail, Fa, la, La, La, La, Silent Night, A Celtic Blessing