Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus

NICHOLAS FAIRBANK, Conductor

Carson Moore, Countertenor
Michael Kelley, Tenor
Nathan McDonald, Bass

Purcell Rejoice in the Lord Alway 

Gibbons This is the Record of John  

Sweelinck Hodie Christus natus est  

Handel Utrecht Jubilate and Dettingham Te Deum

The program begins with anthems for Advent and Christmas by English Baroque composers Purcell and Gibbons. This is followed by the motet Hodie Christus natus est by Dutch composer Jan Sweelinck.

Orchestra, chorus and soloists then join forces in two oratorios by Handel, written in thanks for peace treaties that ended the War of the Spanish Succession in 1713, and the War of the Austrian Succession in 1743. Both works provide opportunities for lively and joyful music, including trumpets and timpani, with variety provided by the solos and small ensemble movements sung by Moore, Kelley and McDonald.