With our world changing so rapidly, with our means of communication accelerating at dizzying speeds, with our cultures and beliefs intermingling and becoming less well-defined, what does Christmastime mean to people in our world and how do we choose the music for a CD that will be appealing to listeners?

In many ways, the music on this CD, Yuletide Fires II, is a reflection of that current world. You’ll find ancient Latin chant expressing the wonder of the virgin and child; familiar words and carols that connect us to a Christmas of our childhood; songs written in the 21st century that explore new ways to celebrate the joys of Christmas and hopes and possibilities of a new year. There are also tunes and tales that tell of traditions and transport us back in memory to that time of heightened anticipation. We are thrilled to have renowned mezzo-soprano Judith Forst join us on this CD – what a wonderful Christmas present!

Available on iTunes. Physical CD sold out.

Track List

1. What Child is this? – English traditional, arr. Jonathan Quick
2. Alma Redemptoris Mater* – Gregorian chant
3. A La Nanina Nana* – Spanish traditional, arr. Norman Luboff
4. Ubi Caritas – Ola Gjeilo
5. Ave Regina Caelorum* – Gregorian chant
6. The Gate of the Year – Eleanor Daley, arr. Diane Loomer
7. Ave Maria* – Ambrosian chant
8. The Three Kings – Healey Willan, arr. Diane Loomer
9. Sweet Was the Song – Jeff Enns
10. In the Bleak Midwinter – Gustav Holst, arr. Stephen Smith
11. Peace I Leave with You – Knut Nystedt
12. Salve Regina* – Gregorian chant
13. Koppången – Pererik Moraeus, arr. Robert Sund
14. Cantique de Noel – Adolphe Adam, arr. Larry Nickel
15. Regina Caeli* – Gregorian chant
16. A New Year Carol (from Friday Afternoon) – Benjamin Britten
17. O Tannenbaum* – German traditional, arr. Stephen Smith
18. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Hugh Martin, arr. Miles Ramsay
19. To Drive the Cold Winter Away – English traditional, arr. Willi Zwozdesky
20. The Mummer Song – Alan Doyle & Sean McCann, arr. Stephen Smith
21. Christmas Time Is Here – Vince Guaraldi, arr. Miles Ramsay

* denotes selections led by Kevin Zakresky, assistant conductor