O Great Mystery
ProArteOhio (LancasterChorale)
Time & Place
Date: Sun, Dec. 15, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM
St. Mary Catholic Church | 684 S Third St, Columbus, OH 43206
About the Concert
O Great Mystery: Motets, Carols, and Spirituals for Christmas
Our program title, O Great Mystery, hints to audiences they will hear a beautiful setting of the text ‘O magnum mysterium’, the well-known Latin antiphon for Christmas. That hint holds true, but there is an added mystery. Which composer’s setting of this timeless text is to be heard? There are numerous wonderful choral interpretations composed over several centuries, and a handful have become favorites with choral enthusiasts. How can an ensemble select but one O magnum mysterium to perform? Or better asked, why program only one setting when three can be compared and contrasted side-by-side? ProArte will perform Giovanni Gabrieli’s double-choir setting published in 1587, Francis Poulenc’s contemplative setting from 1952, and Morten Lauridsen’s luminous setting composed in 1995. Three lively medieval carols ‘made modern’ follow the three ‘O magnums’ and joyfully interrupt the mood of mystery.
After the Intermission a cavalcade of carols fills the air. The audience sings ‘We Three Kings’ with ProArte, three magi soloists, and colorful accompaniment provided by organist, Joshua Brodbeck. The program ends with Christmas spirituals for choir and featured soloist, tenor Shederick Whipple!
Program
O GREAT MYSTERY
Motets, Carols, and Spirituals for Christmas
Latin Motets for Christmas
Hodie Christus natus est a8 – G. P. da Palestrina
O magnum mysterium – Giovanni Gabrieli
O magnum mysterium – Francis Poulenc
O magnum mysterium – Morten Lauridsen
Benedicamus Domino – Peter Warlock
Medieval Carols ‘Made Modern’
Puer natus in Bethlehem – arr. Samuel Scheidt
Gaudete – arr. Brian Kay
Personent Hodie – arr. John Rutter
INTERMISSION
Caroling Thru the Town
Caroling, Caroling – Alfred Burt
Bring a Torch – arr. Stephen Caracciolo
O Tannenbaum – arr. Stephen Caracciolo
Pat-a-pan – arr. Peter Conte
Kings from the East
O Holy Night – arr. John Rutter
Bethlehem Down – Peter Warlock
Three Kings of Orient (sing-a-long) – arr. John Rutter
Three Christmas Spirituals
Sweet Little Jesus Boy – arr. Stacy V. Gibbs
Rise Up, Shepherd and Follow – arr. Roland Carter
Go Tell it on the Mountain – arr. John Work
ProArteOhio (formerly Lancaster Chorale) has established its role as a vital force in choral music through the performance of diverse and demanding literature. Engaging the region’s leading professional vocal artists, the ensemble garners high praise for its beauty of tone, musical integrity, and remarkable blend.
Dr. Stephen Caracciolo is a professional conductor recognized for his passionate artistry with choral ensembles and as a composer of choral music whose published works are performed regularly throughout the United States. Dr. Caracciolo also serves as the newly appointed Chorus Master of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.