Winter is the coldest and darkest of seasons, but is also a time which holds some of the warmest and brightest celebrations of the year. Most cultures and religions for centuries have brought light in to fend off the dark and then celebrated the return of the light in mid-winter.
This concert traces the history and development of many of the world’s most endearing holiday customs, all of which involve lighting up the winter season — from the burning Yule log, sparkling Christmas tree lights and candles in windows, to the lighting of luminaries in the American Southwest and the traditional ritual of the Hanukkah Menorah. The concert includes not only Christian and Jewish traditions, but other historical religious and cultural rituals practiced during the time of winter solstice. The adult choirs and children’s choirs will combine on several pieces, including our traditional closing piece, “Night of Silence.”