Christmas with the Magdrigalia

O Magnum Mysterium is the traditional chant for Christmas morning. Its sublime text has inspired composers through the ages to depict the enigma of the King of Kings born as a homeless child among humble animals and shepherds in a lowly stable. In 2012, Ola Gjeilo set these moving words as Serenity, a choral work that captures the atmosphere of the season. The Rochester, NY chamber choir Madrigalia, and their Artistic Director Cary Ratcliff will offer a stunning performance of Serenity, when they return to public radio for Christmas with Madrigalia 2015, a holiday concert that celebrates mystery and the joy of the holiday season. Madrigalia is joined by harpist Kathleen MacAuliffe, oboist Emily Hart and bassist Kieran Hanlon. This one-hour program, recorded live in concert at Rochester’s Baptist Temple, features beautiful music by Paul Lohman, Johannes Brahms, David Conte, Michael Praetorious, Philip Stopford and Ola Gjeilo along with a number of Cary Ratcliff’s own arrangements.