IN WINTER’S ARMS SEASONAL MUSIC BY BOB CHILCOTT (b. 1955) e The Nine Gifts [4.16] Choralis Wenceslas Todd Fickley, organ, Gretchen Kuhrmann, conductor 1 I. Wintertide [4.21] 2 II. Who can that be? [2.35] Gloria 3 III. Forth, they went [2.12] r I. Gloria in excelsis Deo [4.01] 4 IV. Interlude – Winter Dark [3.53] t II. Domine Deus [4.50] 5 V. Sleeping in winter’s arms [2.25] y III. Qui tollis peccata mundi [4.05] 6 VI. Thank you [4.04] u IV. Quoniam tu solus sanctus [2.48] 7 VII. Fanfare – Winter Bright [1.27] Choralis, The Classical Brass Quintet 8 VIII. On Saint Stephen’s Night [5.14] Todd Fickley, organ, Julie Angelis Boehler, timpani, Gretchen Kuhrmann, conductor Choralis, Cantus Primo Youth , The Classical Brass Quintet James Shaffran, baritone, Todd Fickley, organ, Marian Rian Hays, harp, Julie Angelis Boehler, timpani, Total timings: [65.55] Gretchen Kuhrmann, conductor

9 Jesus, Springing [4.46] Choralis Todd Fickley, organ, Gretchen Kuhrmann, conductor

My Perfect Stranger 0 I. Prologue [4.09] q II. My Perfect Stranger [7.16] w III. Epilogue [3.33] Choralis, Cantus Primo Youth Choir McKinley Dyer, Mary, Philip Stimpert, Innkeeper, CHORALIS Carl Ellinwood, Vincent Fung, Joshua Brown, Magi, GRETCHEN KUHRMANN CONDUCTOR James Shaffran, Herod, Marian Rian Hays, harp, Gretchen Kuhrmann, conductor www.signumrecords.com IN WINTER’S ARMS For many , the Christmas and holiday BY BOB CHILCOTT season is a busy time of year. As someone who has sung in a number of choirs, I always This recording comes at the end of a very enjoy trying to compose new music for this fruitful and happy period of time I have had season. In 2014 I asked my friend, the poet as associate composer with Choralis and its Charles Bennett, to write an entertainment based conductor, Gretchen Kuhrmann. For me, one on the legend of the Bohemian King who braved of the great joys of my work has been the way the winter weather with his page to save the that rewarding friendships and relationships life of a poor peasant. I managed to find a way have been forged with choirs and groups to incorporate the melody of the famous carol, of singers from all over the world. Choirs Good King Wenceslas, into each of the everywhere are made up of people from all sorts movements, culminating in the audience singing of different backgrounds, from school children with the choir and orchestra in the final verse and students to office workers, public sector in the last section of the piece. Wenceslas was workers, teachers, doctors, stay-at-home mothers written for the 150th anniversary of one of and fathers, lawyers, politicians, people who the most loved department stores in Britain, have retired – in fact, people who live and John Lewis in Oxford Street, right in the centre work in all kinds of circumstances. For many, of . The John Lewis Partnership, made though, the choir becomes a very important up of some 46 stores across Britain, is owned focus in life. It becomes the place where you by all its partners, nearly 90,000 of them, and leave many aspects of your life at the door, and they all share in the profits and successes of become part of a community of people who give the business. John Lewis has its own orchestra their time, their energies, their resources and and choirs and for the first performance of this their goodwill to experience singing together piece, singers from stores from all over the and creating transcendent moments of shared country came to the in London beauty, laughter and positivity, motivated by to perform. I wrote this recorded version, with a common love of music. Choralis is such a a smaller instrumentation of brass, organ, and choir, a group that gives integrity and life to timpani in 2016, and it was premièred by Choralis all that it does. in Washington, DC, in December of the same year. © Don Lassell

- 4 - - 5 - In 2008 the conductor Philip Brunelle asked of a short dramatic scena, bookended by a to me that she liked the piece of mine that they worked so hard to make this possible, and me to write a piece for his church choir in newly-written Prologue and Epilogue. We were singing. She then told me that she had those who help the choirs by giving time Minneapolis, MN and sent me a book of poems premièred it at Milton Court in London in recently sung another new piece that she and energy and their financial support. by Kevin Crossley-Holland which included four December 2016, with The Finchley Children’s Music really liked by “some guy called Vivaldi”. Thanks also to the supporting musicians beautiful Christmas texts. Over the following Group, The BBC Singers, and Tanya Houghton. She asked me if I knew him. I was so struck on this recording, The Classical Brass Quintet, three years I set all of them for different choirs by this, because to this young lady the piece Marian Rian Hays, and Julie Angelis Boehler. and we have recorded two of them for this disc. Gretchen Kuhrmann and Choralis embraced my might have been written yesterday. To her Special thanks must go to Todd Fickley, a superb The first, Jesus, Springing, was written in 2010 associate composer role with the choir whole- it felt fresh and communicative, and I thought, organist. We are also so grateful for the work of for the choir of Harrow School. The second, The heartedly. It began with a performance of my if I could emulate those feelings for just a Kevin Bourassa, our sound engineer, and his Nine Gifts, was written for J. Reilly Lewis and at the Chorus America Conference few moments, I would be happy. Vivaldi’s colleagues from Arts Laureate. Final thanks the Cathedral Choral Society of Washington, in Washington, DC in 2014, and continued Gloria was very much in my mind when I wrote must go to my friend and colleague, Val DC in the same year. J. Reilly Lewis, a deeply with a spring 2015 concert performance of my my own setting. Withams, who has project-managed this respected conductor in Washington and also Salisbury Vespers as well as William Walton’s recording and who understands so deeply a great supporter of Gretchen Kuhrmann Belshazzar’s Feast at the National Presbyterian This recording has happened because of the the reasons why we need to reach out and and Choralis died suddenly in 2016, and the Church. Just about every brass player in the support of so many people. I would like to connect through singing together. recording of this piece is dedicated to his memory. city played in that concert and it was then thank Gretchen Kuhrmann, a very special that I got to know the players of The Classical musician, and the choirs of Choralis who have Bob Chilcott A few years ago Kevin Crossley-Holland sent Brass Quintet who play on this recording. These my wife and me a copy of his beautiful children’s distinguished musicians are good friends to book about the nativity, How Many Miles to Choralis and it is for both these groups that Bethlehem?, as a present for our daughter. I wrote my Gloria which they premièred in The A little later a poem based on the book arrived Church of the Epiphany in Washington, DC in in the post from Kevin, and he asked if I would December 2015. I have sung and conducted be interested in setting it to music. The a number of great Glorias by the likes of opportunity arose some months later when I was Vivaldi, Poulenc, and John Rutter, and so it was asked to write a piece for a concert in London with a certain amount of trepidation that I to be given by the BBC Singers and the approached the writing of this piece. A few harpist Tanya Houghton. The piece was recast years ago, a young American singer from a with the title, My Perfect Stranger, and consists children’s choir festival I was conducting said © Don Lassell

- 6 - - 7 - TEXTS Brightly shone the moon that night, Sire, he lives a good league hence, Page and monarch, forth they went, Though the frost was cruel, Underneath the mountain, Forth they went together: Wenceslas When a poor man came in sight, Right against the forest fence, Through the rude wind’s wild lament Text: Charles Bennett (b.1954) Gathering winter fuel. By Saint Agnes’ fountain. And the bitter weather.

1 Wintertide 2 Who can that be? 3 Forth they went 4 Interlude – Winter Dark Listen to the storm! Who can that be? We’ll take a blanket soft and warm When snow’s this deep it’s good to sleep and A man in the snow with nowhere to go. to wrap him up against the storm. 5 Sleeping in winter’s arms keep yourself warm. Can you see? As I lay me down Have another drink. Don’t even think of I think I know, if I might say so, We’ll take him shoes so water-tight to sleep on winter’s bed, going outside. he’s familiar to me. to wrap his feet against the night. I pray the Lord my soul Frost and moon sing a winter tune, so to keep and hold my head. stay by my side. From the cut of his cloth, We’ll take a loaf so good and fresh under the hill by Saint Agnes’ Well to feed the soul and feed the flesh. How much further can it be? Pity any poor soul out in the cold, from hand to mouth One more step. frost for a blanket, ice in their bones. he lives as he may from day to day, We’ll take him tinder and a spark Snow will be the death of me. Pity for the wretch who sleeps outside a league or two south. to make a blaze against the dark. Nearly there yet? by themselves, at winter-tide. Come with me, We’ll take him laughter in a jest When all’s said and done and icicles come Stay by my side at winter-tide. we’ll take him cheer at this time of year, to ease his heart and bring him rest. to freeze my tongue with winter’s song, Warm as toast, as chestnuts roast, and see if we I’ll be dead and gone, come to harm, we’re satisfied. can make things bright on Stephen’s night We’ll take him warmth and show we care, sleeping in winter’s arms. Let’s hibernate till a later date, so for charity. Saint Stephen’s Night shall last all year. close your eyes. If I should fall amongst Hither, page, and stand by me, Bring me flesh, and bring me wine, the snow, say that I Good King Wenceslas looked out If thou know’st it, telling, Bring me pine-logs hither: was just a frozen sparrow, On the feast of Stephen, Yonder peasant, who is he? Thou and I will see him dine, too cold to fly. When the snow lay round about, Where and what his dwelling? When we bear them thither. Deep, and crisp, and even.

- 8 - - 9 - If I should die before Never thought I’d find the time But all poor souls who must sleep in the forest, 9 Jesus, Springing I wake, wrong or right, to give you all that’s mine. sleep in the forest all alone. Text: Kevin Crossley-Holland (b.1941) I pray the Lord my soul Didn’t think I’d lose my fear. Tonight beneath his roof, to take and say good-night. You made it disappear. they’re welcome to a home from home. I am the heart that houses the cone I am the cone enclosing the cedar Sire, the night is darker now, Never thought we’d come that close. But there is a King with a heart so warm. I am the cedar sawn for the cradle And the wind blows stronger; He melts the ice and calms the storm. It happens, I suppose. forest of the body Fails my heart, I know not how; He brings us fire and drink and food, Didn’t think I’d lose my fear. body of the tree I can go no longer. You made it disappear. everything to make life good. I am the cradle rocking the baby Mark my foot-steps, good my page; In his master’s steps he trod, Never thought I’d touch the sky. I am the baby containing the man Tread thou in them boldly: Where the snow lay dinted; How surprised am I? I am the man nailed on the cross Thou shalt find the winter’s rage Didn’t think that dreams come true. Heat was in the very sod Freeze thy blood less coldly. Thank you, thank you. Which the saint had printed. tree of the body body of the forest 6 Thank you Therefore, everyone, be sure, 7 Fanfare - Winter Bright Never thought I’d make it this far, Wealth or rank possessing, I am the cross sawn from the cedar bless my lucky star. Ye who now will bless the poor, I am the cedar enclosed in the cone 8 Didn’t think I could feel On Saint Stephen’s Night Shall yourselves find blessing. I am the cone housed in the heart anything this real. A log on the fire was a tree in the forest, a tree in the forest, who grew so high. On Saint Stephen’s Night our thanks we give here in my heart Never thought I’d find myself here Now beneath his roof it’s burning, to the King who makes us live. Jesus, springing burning on Saint Stephen’s Night. at the end of another year. ‘Wenceslas’ text by Charles Bennett © Charles Bennett. Reproduced ‘Jesus Springing’ text by Kevin Crossley-Holland © Kevin Crossley- Didn’t think that this could come true. And this poor man, who was lost in the forest, by permission of the author, under licence to Oxford University Holland. Reproduced by permission of Enitharmon Press, under Press. All rights reserved. licence to Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. Thank you, thank you. lost in the forest so far away. Now beneath my roof, he’s smiling, For whatever you’ve been told, smiling on Saint Stephen’s Day. young or old, it’s time to come in from the cold.

- 10 - - 11 - My Perfect Stranger q My Perfect Stranger Mary w Epilogue Text: Kevin Crossley-Holland (b.1941) Mary Little lamb. My perfect stranger. We aim and stray, we want, we dream. Quick and slow. Tight as a drum. I’ll wrap you with the swaddling bands How can our paths ever be straight? 0 Prologue I’m round as lady moon calling to me. and lay you in a manger. This is what happens. This is how it begins. My baby will be born tonight. In light there is always darkness Shepherds but in darkness always speck and star and sheen. Another census is underway, Innkeeper Earth’s bones rattling. The sky swaying. another round of taxes in Judea: Sorry, mate. Not a single pallet. A heck of a journey! Here’s a fleece, Many visions, signs and prophecies Tell you what! Your Mary Jesus, this palm fan, a round of cheese. meet in this place and this moment, each man with his wife in his own city, can share a stall with my old ox. each of their children, and each baby, Innkeeper many entreaties and ardent prayers Warden of figs and wild honey. Shepherds guide us on this wonder-journey, and at no worse time for a queasy virgin This flock of sky-lights skipping, Kingpin of the lemon groves. and her old husband, a carpenter. Will you feed and shelter us? and sky-voices singing, ‘The lamb as in mazy moonlight to a pool, unblinking, of God will be born in a manger’. Rough tracks through rocky hills, Magi face to face with who we are, and may become. sand and shimmer on the Roman road, Star Our gifts are gold and frankincense, In this story there are parts for each of us, I am tonight’s brightest star, bitter myrrh. Beware now! they’re making slow progress God’s creatures, parts for everyone. many-coloured, blossoming Escape from murderous King Herod. from Nazareth to Bethlehem. over Bethlehem. Follow me. Angels Which role will you choose? Mary’s son is leaping in her womb, Magi Listen! We’re your secret voices. What have you to say-and-sing? how eager he is to be born. In the east we saw you, rising, With our songs, with our light Dear dust and eternal. The city’s a hellhole. Seething and shouting. a golden mustard-flower, a scarlet we will guide you through the night. Stinking passages. Beggars, tricksters, refugees. sky-anemone. We will follow you. Jesus ‘My Perfect Stranger’ text by Kevin Crossley-Holland © Kevin Herod I am the baby who will cradle Crossley-Holland 2004 and 2016. Reproduced by permission of the author, under licence to Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. Who? A king? Born in a stable? the world. In your heart hold me. I’ll rip him from his mother. I will love you, and never leave you. I’ll slaughter all the sucklings.

- 12 - - 13 - e The Nine Gifts I bring you guffaws and loops of mist Gloria y Qui tollis peccata mundi Text: Kevin Crossley-Holland (b.1941) And a band of brown hair for your right wrist. Qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis. That’s what the donkey said. r Gloria in excelsis Deo Qui tollis peccata mundi, suscipe I bring you my body, darling dear: Eeyore! Gloria in excelsis Deo! deprecationem nostram. My ripening song, my jubilant ear. Et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis. That’s what Mary sang. I bring you my crown and an uneasy dream Laudamus te, benedicimus te, adoramus te, u Quoniam tu solus sanctus Alleluia! Of duty and honour, gossip and scheme. glorificamus te. Quoniam tu solus sanctus. That’s what the king said. Gratias agimus tibi propter magnam Tu solus Dominus. And I bring surprise - this sweetest fragrance Heigh-ho! gloriam tuam. Tu solus altissimus. Jesu Christe. Made with love and hope in patience. Cum sancto Spiritu in Gloria Dei Patris. That’s what Elizabeth said. Open your hand for this fitting glove: t Domine Deus Amen. Wonder! The name of the song in my throat is love. Domine Deus, Rex caelestis, That’s what the ring-dove sang. Deus Pater omnipotens. I come with a trill and a blue light Coo-oo! Domine Fili unigenite, Jesu Christe. And followers stumbling through the night. Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris. That’s what the star sang. But what can I bring you? I bring me. Rrrr! Whatever I am and all I will be. That’s what the child sang. Well, my lamb, I’ve got you this fleece Little Jesus! So your old mother can get some peace. That’s what the shepherd said. ‘The Nine Gifts’ text by Kevin Crossley-Holland © Kevin Crossley- Yan! Tan! Holland. Reproduced by permission of Enitharmon Press, under licence to Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

I bring you the broken tooth of a giant, No compromise, the word that is silent. That’s what the stone seemed to say. ( )

- 14 - - 15 - BOB CHILCOTT Music for Christmas forms a considerable part Other works include The Angry Planet, composed reached the top 10 in the album charts in the of his most popular repertoire, and works for for the 2012 BBC Proms, and The Voyage for UK and . His first Christmas disc,The As a composer, conductor, and singer, Bob the season include Wenceslas, My Perfect Age UK Oxfordshire, which in 2017 was nominated Rose in the Middle of Winter, was recorded Chilcott has enjoyed a lifelong association Stranger, and On Christmas Night. In his carols for a Royal Philharmonic Society Award. He has by Commotio. with choral music, first as a chorister and he sets both new and traditional texts, and written many pieces for children, including choral scholar in the choir of King’s College, writes for mixed-voice and upper-voice choirs. his much-loved song, Can you hear me?, and In 2017 Bob was awarded an Honorary Cambridge, and for 12 years as a member of a significant amount of music for the church. Fellowship of The Royal School of Church Music. the King’s Singers. He became a full-time He has written substantial sacred works In 2013 he wrote The King shall rejoice for composer in 1997, embracing his career with including the St John Passion for Wells Cathedral the service in Westminster Abbey to celebrate energy and commitment, and producing a Choir and the Salisbury Vespers. A Little Jazz the 60th anniversary of the coronation of Her large catalogue of music for all types of choirs Mass and the Requiem are amongst a number of Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. which is published by Oxford University Press. works which continue to be performed worldwide. Bob has conducted choirs in more than 30 countries worldwide and has worked with many thousands of amateur singers across the UK in a continuing series of Singing Days. For seven years he was conductor of the Chorus of The in London and since 2002 he has been Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC Singers.

His music has been widely recorded by leading British choirs and groups including King’s College, Cambridge, Wells Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, The King’s Singers, The Sixteen, Tenebrae, The BBC Singers, The Bach Choir, Commotio, and Ora. In 2016 Bob enjoyed a collaboration with the celebrated singer Katie Melua and the Gori Women’s Choir on the album In Winter, which © John Bellars

- 16 - - 17 - GRETCHEN KUHRMANN where she spent her formative years. Before conducting have earned Choralis ensembles Todd Fickley leaving Europe, she toured and performed with acclaim throughout the and Artistic Director Gretchen Kuhrmann is the founder her own ensemble throughout Western Europe. Europe. Critics observed “Kuhrmann has A native Washingtonian, Todd Fickley began his and visionary of Choralis. A true advocate for In addition to being a sought-after conducting trained this big group to sing with the delicacy organ studies at Washington National Cathedral choral music in all schools and communities, and choral clinician, Ms Kuhrmann has shown and transparency of a chamber chorus, and it under Bruce Neswick. At 23, Mr Fickley was she has spent her career honing choral great success with building choral organizations does this very well” and “conductor Gretchen made a Fellow of the American Guild of ensembles into musically sensitive performers and is in demand as a speaker and consultant Kuhrmann drew a clear and beautifully blended Organists and also holds the AGO Choirmaster and encouraging young singers to develop on the topic at choral conventions and sound from the group, which was maintained Diploma. He studied piano under Victor Shklyar their skills. workshops around the world. when the music pulled down to only a handful of the Saint Petersburg Conservatory, holds of voices” (The Washington Post). piano performance diplomas from the American The daughter of a diplomat, Ms Kuhrmann has Audiences and critics alike have recognized College of Musicians, and earned a Master of traveled and lived around the world, including Choralis for its musical excellence. Ms Choralis and Cantus Primo have been selected Arts degree in Organ Performance, with High an extended stay in Hamburg, Germany, Kuhrmann’s detailed preparation and skillful as featured performing ensembles for the Distinction, from the University of Wales. He is Chorus America national conference. Ensembles equally comfortable on the podium, at the pipe under Ms. Kuhrmann’s direction have also been organ, harpsichord, and piano. invited to perform for both ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) and VMEA (Virginia A prize-winning organist and specialist in the Music Educators Association) conventions. music of JS Bach, Mr Fickley has appeared frequently on NPR and PRI. He has performed Ms Kuhrmann has prepared choruses for and conducted across the United States, many notable conductors as well as numerous Europe, and Israel. In 2014, he launched THE diplomatic and political events. She is the Director BACH PROJECT, a new concert cycle to perform of Music for Fairfax Presbyterian Church and and record all of Bach’s organ works. Two holds performance degrees in conducting from volumes have been released: “some of the most the University of North Carolina at Greensboro enthralling Bach organ playing you are likely to and George Mason University. hear anywhere by anyone” (Fanfare Magazine). “Indeed, this is some of the most absorbing Bach playing you can ever come across. An inspired undertaking that will surely rank with © Don Lassell

- 18 - - 19 - Associate Music Director and Chorus Master CHORALIS of the Cathedral Choral Society, the Assistant Director and Keyboard Artist for The Choralis Soprano Alto Tenor Bass Foundation, and Organist of The Falls Church Barbara Alexander Susan Alpern-Fisch Zeke Albro Jeff Baron Anglican. His musical career spans over 25 Gosia Bochenek Olivia Beeman Ramsey Amad Alex Bochenek years in the nation’s capital, performing with Ellen Callier Sarah Braesch Elaine Block Joshua Brown the NSO, The Washington Ballet, and the Sheri Reed Crotty Heather Carkuff Joson Jon Deibert David Bush National Philharmonic, and frequently appearing Kris Devine Mary Martha Carl Ellinwood Jr Joel Cline Claudia Dulmage Churchman Nick Houhoulis Neil Dellar as conductor, recitalist, concerto soloist, McKinley Dyer Clare Ivey Colton Patrick Kilbride David Early accompanist, and speaker in Washington arts Bridget Early Kristen Dunn-Thomason Rob Porter Vincent Fung venues. Mr Fickley recently performed Bob Grace Fisher Donna Fields Charles Russell Aaron Gee-Clough Chilcott’s works in their European premières in Nancy Gloman Susan Frieswyk Dan Stevens Chris Hatfield Leipzig, Dresden, and Berlin. Kathryn Hartzler Susan Frost Philip Stimpert Kerry Mack Abby Hendricks Betsy Hanlon Benjamin Tsai Soham Ray A strong proponent of music education, he Anna Kassinger Patricia Hickey Kerry Wingell Frank Roberts spent years teaching and preparing choirs Terri Lesko Julie R Jernigan Daniel Schweikert and instrumentalists of all ages using the Lizabeth Martin Linda Knutsen Charles Sethness Royal School of Church Music system for Ruthie Miller Karen Lee Derek Walker performances of wide-ranging repertoire. He Aliceann Muller Holly Looney Jon Westergaard is a long-time cast member of the Washington Erin O’Connell Kate Marquis Rob Young Bach Consort’s acclaimed outreach to Helen Samhan Jeannette Oliver Daisy Torla Michelle Perrine

© Stan Engebretson Washington’s inner-city schools, “Bach to School”, and 2017’s new “Wunderkind” initiative. Elizabeth Torla Nicole Santos the last twenty-five years’ best recordings in the Lori Wicks Anne Sorensen genre” (Music and Visions). Karin Sweet Sarah Swett Mr Fickley is the Acting Artistic Director of the Susan Trainor Washington Bach Consort, having performed Cathy Valdiviez with them for over 15 years. He is also Baumbusch Trish Waters

- 20 - - 21 - CANTUS PRIMO YOUTH CHOIR tone displayed by the ensemble has earned it a reputation as one of Washington’s finest treble Olivia Beeman choirs. Two works commissioned by Choralis, McKinley Dyer including Bob Chilcott’s Gloria, have included Bridget Early parts written specifically for Cantus Primo’s Grace Fisher unique colour and sound. Many of its members Caroline Forde go on to study music at university, influenced Claire Helsel greatly by their participation in this ensemble. Abby Hendricks Madeline Jensen THE CLASSICAL BRASS QUINTET Cassandra Montague Ruthie Miller Woodrow English, trumpet

© Don Lassell Dennis Edelbrock, trumpet The Choralis Foundation was established by Since 2011 Choralis has been committed to Cantus Primo, conducted by Gretchen Kuhrmann, Joseph Lovinsky, horn Artistic Director Gretchen Kuhrmann in 2000 performing music by contemporary British is a select treble choir whose members are Scott Shelsta, trombone to nurture a passion for choral music through composers, including Bob Chilcott, Cecilia drawn from the Choralis Cantus Youth Choirs Jack Tilbury, tuba excellent choral performances, professional McDowall, Francis Pott, Andrew Gant, and and the High School Scholarship Singers in development opportunities for young soloists Alan Bullard. In 2014 the choir performed Bob Choralis. The group made its debut at the The Classical Brass is uniquely comprised of and conductors, education and training for Chilcott’s Requiem at the national convention prestigious Music Center at Strathmore with retired members of The Army Brass Quintet young choristers, and community outreach of Chorus America, starting an 18-month the National Philharmonic Orchestra and which has represented the United States and its events. Nearly 200 singers perform across five residency with the composer which also Chorale in Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. More military in 14 foreign countries and 45 states. ensembles: Choralis, an auditioned SATB included a performance of his Salisbury recently Cantus Primo has appeared at notable The group has performed at the White House and chorus; the Ēchos chamber group; and three Vespers and the world and European premières Washington venues including Wolf Trap, the nation’s Capitol for televised historic events Cantus Youth Choirs which serve children aged of his Gloria, commissioned by The Washington National Cathedral, and National and occasions. 5–14. Choralis is committed to programming Choralis Foundation. Other highlights of recent Presbyterian Church, and at the national that includes not only the classical choral seasons include Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast, conference of Chorus America. The young The Classical Brass has enjoyed critical repertoire, but compositions of living composers Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem, and Mozart’s singers are featured performers each season acclaim for its ensemble playing, and has been and world music. Coronation Mass. with Choralis as well as other area symphonic described as “fabulous” by The Washington choruses, and the musicianship and clarity of Post. Its programmes encompass music from

- 22 - - 23 - United States in some of the most prestigious schools of music in the world such as the Moscow and St Petersburg conservatoires.

The Classical Brass is delighted to be partnering with Choralis for an exciting CD of Bob Chilcott’s music. The group has performed with Choralis since its inception and is dedicated to the level of performing excellence represented by Gretchen Kurhmann and the ensemble.

James Shaffran

Baritone James Shaffran’s versatility and audience appeal have made him a long-sought-

© Don Lassell after performer, accomplished singing actor, the Renaissance to the present day, including historians. The group has also performed on and perennial favourite. Equally comfortable multi-media formats and world premières. broadcasts from Washington National Cathedral in chamber, symphony hall, and opera stage, Family concerts are a favourite with the group, as well as on TV and radio networks including Mr Shaffran has sung with virtually every which also regularly performs with classic National Public Radio, the BBC, NBC’s Today arts organization in the Washington-Baltimore © Sardar Aziz, Artwork silent movies as the “pit orchestra”. Show, Fox Television, and the CBS Morning Show area and many beyond. A WAMMIE nominee performances with Washington National Opera, from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. for Best Classical Vocal Soloist for the past and enjoys an active stage presence regionally. Members of The Classical Brass, cited for their The Quintet has repeatedly been invited to five years, he sang on the Grammy-winning He has several world première productions artistry, have recorded extensively, including with perform in televised ceremonies for newly recording of Corigliano’s Of Rage And to his credit, including creating the role of The Cathedral Choral Society (Nonesuch). Honor inaugurated Presidents, and for the funeral Remembrance with Leonard Slatkin and the NSO. the Principal in the acclaimed Greg Spears to our Soldiers, a recording of Civil War music services for Presidents Reagan and Ford. opera Paul’s Case (a New Yorker Top-10 for the American Heritage Society on authentic, Appearing with the Russian National Orchestra, Described as “a pillar of the company” by production of 2015 at the Prototype Festival), period instruments, was especially well reviewed the group performed on Russian State Television former director Placido Domingo, Mr Shaffran and the title role of Bernie Madoff in Luna and received inside the world of Civil War and has been honoured to represent the has amassed over 50 roles in over 300 Pearl Wolff’s The Pillar in 2016.

- 24 - - 25 - Mr Shaffran is a regular local presence as Ms Hays has recorded several film scores a National Anthem singer, and is a frequent including The Usual Suspects and Apt Pupil. performer with the Washington Nationals. He She also played with Global Music winner Lori lives in Annandale, Virginia with his wife Bell on a jazz Christmas album and performed Mary, a lyric soprano with whom he performs with the National Symphony Orchestra at in charity events and recitals. He is honoured Carnegie Hall. She is currently principal harpist Choralis is supported in part by grants from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, to participate in this project as part of his with The Maryland Symphony and an active and the Arts Council of Fairfax County. continuing collaboration with Choralis and freelance musician. Bob Chilcott. Julie Angelis Boehler Marian Rian Hays Ms Boehler has had the privilege of performing Marian Rian Hays performs chamber music, as Principal Timpanist with Choralis and orchestral music, jazz, film, and musicals. She other notable groups in the Washington, DC Recorded at The Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G Street NW, Washington DC, USA from 19th–21st April 2017. has performed at La Jolla’s Summerfest and area including The Cathedral Choral Society, Producer – Bob Chilcott The Washington Chorus, The Washington Recording and Editing by Arts Laureate Tijuana International chamber music festivals, Engineers – Kevin Bourassa, Stephen O’Connor Concert Opera, and one of the nation’s primary and as principal harp at the opera festival in Cover image – King Wenceslas, Anonymous Christmas book illustration, Graz, Austria. She has appeared at the Kennedy military bands. She is also a member of Anonymous / Private Collection / Bridgeman Images Center and The Phillips Collection. The Maryland Symphony and the esteemed Session photography – Don Lassell Photography Monarch Brass, an all-women ensemble Design and Artwork – Woven Design www.wovendesign.co.uk She has made five recordings for Koch founded by former St Louis Symphony trumpeter, P 2017 The copyright in this sound recording is owned by Signum Records Ltd International Classics and was the soloist on Susan Slaughter. © 2017 The copyright in this CD booklet, notes and design is owned by Signum Records Ltd the acclaimed world première recording of Any unauthorised broadcasting, public performance, copying or re-recording of Signum Compact Discs constitutes an infringement of copyright and will render the infringer liable to an action by law. Licences for public performances or broadcasting may be obtained from Phonographic Performance Ltd. All Menotti’s Cantilena y Scherzo for harp and rights reserved. No part of this booklet may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, strings. She has performed in world première photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from Signum Records Ltd. performances including Dominic Argento’s Love SignumClassics, Signum Records Ltd., Suite 14, 21 Wadsworth Road, Perivale, Middx UB6 7JD, UK. +44 (0) 20 8997 4000 E-mail: [email protected] and Angels, recorded at Washington National www.signumrecords.com Cathedral, and Don McCullough’s work for harp and chorus, When Christ was Born.

- 26 - - 27 - ALSO AVAILABLE on signumclassics

Bob Chilcott: St John Passion Sun, Moon, Sea and Stars Wells Cathedral Choir Songs and Arrangements by Bob Chilcott Matthew Owens Tenebrae Consort, Nigel Short SIGCD412 SIGCD903

“We have long known Chilcott as one of the most accessible of “The Tenebrae Consort, drawn from Nigel Short’s equally contemporary composers for choirs. Memorable melodies and celebrated Tenebrae Choir, here bring the same perfect technique lovely harmonisations seem to flow from his pen with ease… and miraculous sense of ensemble to 22 instantly attractive His Passion setting is as direct and communicative as those songs and arrangements by Bob Chilcott.” of Bach.” MusicWeb International The Observer

Available through most record stores and at www.signumrecords.com For more information call +44 (0) 20 8997 4000

- 20 - CTP Template: CD_INL1 COLOURS Compact Disc Back Inlay CYAN MAGENTA Customer SignumClassics YELLOW Catalogue No.SIGCD512 BLACK Job Title: Winters Arms

SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD512

IN WINTER’S ARMS CHILCOTT: IN WINTER’S ARMS WINTER’S IN CHILCOTT: SEASONAL MUSIC BY BOB CHILCOTT (b. 1955)

1 - 8 Wenceslas [26.11] 9 Jesus, Springing [4.46] 0 - w My Perfect Stranger [14.58] e The Nine Gifts [4.16] CHORALIS / KUHRMANN r - u Gloria [15.44] CHORALIS / KUHRMANN / CHORALIS

Total timings: [65.55]

GRETCHEN KUHRMANN CONDUCTOR Cantus Primo Youth Choir CHILCOTT: IN WINTER’S ARMS

The Classical Brass Quintet

James Shaffran baritone Todd Fickley organ Marian Rian Hays harp Julie Angelis Boehler timpani

LC15723 Signum Records Ltd, Suite 14, 21 Wadsworth SIGCD512 CLASSICS Road, Perivale, Middx UB6 7JD, . P 2017 Signum Records DDD SIGCD512 © 2017 Signum Records www.signumrecords.com 24 bit digital recording 6 35212 05122 1 SIGNUM