The call came in from Bill Pitcher, who is the director of the Basilica Choir at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. He wanted me to know that they were presenting the premiere performance of an anthem I wrote called "Babe of Bethlehem Draw Near" with music composed by Wm. Glenn Osborne. And that I was invited to attend.
It was such a joy to be there last evening for "Christmas with the Basilica Choir". The Basilica Gift Shop held an open house beforehand and Judy was able to find several new pieces for the Nativity scene that was begun for her by her grandmother. Mimi and Papa came with us and we found a nice place to sit near the organ where we could see Glenn at the console while he accompanied the choir and have a nice side view of them, the orchestra, and director Bill.
There was a goodly gathering of people there--Bill had said that these concerts usually have about a thousand in attendance and last night he told us that he thought it was a larger audience than any other Christmas concert they have presented.
The choir (eight voices, two of each part: soprano, alto, tenor and base) were wonderful and brought the sounds of the season to our hearts. Among their selections were two by John Rutter, about whom I have posted Christmas musical praises in the past. All of the music was outstanding in every way, with selections ranging from "O Magnum Mysterium" to their finale ("O Holy Night") and an encore that had everyone misty-eyed: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas".
And it was a thrill to hear "Babe of Bethlehem Draw Near" presented for the first time. I had been with the choir when they had their initial singing of it, a week or so after Glenn composed the music. As you would guess, they are not only marvelous voices but also marvelous sight-readers. So even there in the rehearsal room, the beauty of Glenn's music shined through. Even more, the beauty of hearing the music in the Sanctuary of the Basilica.
It was such a joy to be there last evening for "Christmas with the Basilica Choir". The Basilica Gift Shop held an open house beforehand and Judy was able to find several new pieces for the Nativity scene that was begun for her by her grandmother. Mimi and Papa came with us and we found a nice place to sit near the organ where we could see Glenn at the console while he accompanied the choir and have a nice side view of them, the orchestra, and director Bill.
There was a goodly gathering of people there--Bill had said that these concerts usually have about a thousand in attendance and last night he told us that he thought it was a larger audience than any other Christmas concert they have presented.
The choir (eight voices, two of each part: soprano, alto, tenor and base) were wonderful and brought the sounds of the season to our hearts. Among their selections were two by John Rutter, about whom I have posted Christmas musical praises in the past. All of the music was outstanding in every way, with selections ranging from "O Magnum Mysterium" to their finale ("O Holy Night") and an encore that had everyone misty-eyed: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas".
And it was a thrill to hear "Babe of Bethlehem Draw Near" presented for the first time. I had been with the choir when they had their initial singing of it, a week or so after Glenn composed the music. As you would guess, they are not only marvelous voices but also marvelous sight-readers. So even there in the rehearsal room, the beauty of Glenn's music shined through. Even more, the beauty of hearing the music in the Sanctuary of the Basilica.
In short, it was a very delightful evening.
Thanks Dr. Bill, for calling to invite us to hear the anthem's premiere presentation! What a special way to mark the Advent season!
Thanks Dr. Bill, for calling to invite us to hear the anthem's premiere presentation! What a special way to mark the Advent season!
