Home for the Holidays
By Sandy Carriger
The Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the performing arts on the University of Davis campus provides an array of cultural programs. The facilities are state-of-the art and provide a quality experience for the artists and the audience alike. In conjunction with the holiday season and spirit, a melodic tribute to Christmas, Home for the Holidays, was performed by the Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra (SCSO) on Saturday December 13th. The performance was a pleasant break from the Americanized vision of Christmas; massive crowds of grumpy shoppers, children waiting in line to have their photos taken on Santa's lap or searching for that house with the brightest display of lights. This was a production dedicated to the true meaning of Christmas.
We entered the foyer decked only in garland and a tree of white lights, hiked our way to the 3rd floor and settled into our seats among a throng of people warmly dressed, many in red, for this seasonal program. The 180-voice SCSO is conducted by their founder, Donald Kendrick, and is one of the largest symphonic choruses in the United States with members from six Northern California counties and their own professional orchestra. An array of songs was performed, ranging from old to new, classics and unconventional.
As the choir entered with a candlelit procession, the orchestra played a "Festive Christmas Overture." Boy soloist, Michael Aoun, a soprano member of the Sacramento Children's Chorus, sang beautifully in his performance of the mid-19th century Christmas hymn, "O Come, Emmanuel." The rendition of "Betelehemu," a Nigerian Christmas song, was a joyous piece that included movement and hand gestures with percussion accompaniment. "Lux Aurumque" (Light of Gold) a piece composed by Eric Whitacre, emitted a heavenly aura while dancers, Natalia Kokosinska and Natalie Nelson, arabesques across the stage in their flowing white chiffon skirts. KCRA 3, television's own, Kelly Brothers, narrated "T'was The Night Before Christmas" while the orchestra played an appropriate musical interlude to reflect the wonder of the story of Santa and his sleigh of eight reindeer. A traditional "Hallelujah" from Handel's Messiah brought the house to their feet. Of course, the show would not have been complete without an audience sing-a-long. We all joined the chorus in tunes such as, "Deck the Halls," "O Come, All Ye Faithful," "The First Noel" and "Silent Night."
This production was a refreshing addition to my holidays. It was a nice break from the decorating, baking and shopping in preparation for our annual holiday celebration. I was able to have an enjoyable Saturday evening out with my spouse, sit back and listen to the sounds of beautiful voices combined with wonderful orchestral compositions. It was a great opportunity for the entire family to experience the joy of Christmas music.
For more information on the 2008/2009 Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra performances at the Mondavi Center you may access their website at www.sacramentochoral.com or phone 916-536-9065. Future performances are: Bach's Birthday Celebration on March 22, 2009 and Choral Soundscapes June 7, 2009.
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