Chancel Choir performs Jessye’s Carols
Posted In: Worship & Music
Photo Credit Linda MacClennan
The Chancel Choir, accompanied by full orchestra, performed two movements of “Jessye’s Carols” during Sunday Worship Services on December 11th. The entire work, which was arranged by Donald Fraser, is more formally known as the Christmas Symphony. Mr. Fraser, a British composer who now lives in Roscoe, Illinois, also composed one of the songs, This Christmastide, specifically for the famous American opera singer Jessye Norman to perform, which is why it is often referred to as Jessye’s Carol.
Lisa Bond, Director of Music, selected this inspiring work because she felt it fit beautifully within a worship service. Movement 1 was performed toward the beginning of the service, This Christmastide was performed at the Offertory, and Movement 4 was sung after the sermon. “This piece touches so many people,” said Lisa. “It reminds us of the true meaning of Advent and Christmas – the coming of Jesus Christ. I truly believe when Donald Fraser was composing it, God had a hand in it.”
This isn’t the first time Jessye’s Carols were performed at KUC. In 1998 an 1999, Rejoice Singers, Youth Choir, and an adult soloist performed the second movement and in 2000 they sang movements 2 and 3.
