Christmas 2024: Joyful & Triumphant

Program and director notes from Georgia Festival Chorus' performance of Joyful & Triumphant for Christmas 2024.

David Scott, Artistic Director

with

Cathy Adams, piano

Randall Romig, organ & piano

Michael Cromwell, Associate Director

Ken Terrell, Assistant Director

Trevor Kytola, Conducting Intern

featuring

John Lawless, perusssion

and

GATE CITY BRASS

Wayne Bennett, trumpets

Chris Savage, trumpets

Taylor Helms, horn

Garrett Coscolluela, trombone

Trevor Kiefer, tuba

"You probably know the famous line, “O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant.” That’s the spirit we’re embracing for this year’s Christmas season! Few sounds evoke triumph and celebration like brass and percussion, and we’re thrilled to welcome the Gate City Brass Quintet and percussionist John Lawless to join us for these special performances.

Brass and percussion are the glorious heart of our program, from first notes to grand finale. We open with “Gloria Fanfare” by Jeffery L. Ames, who describes the piece as “an exuberant proclamation of ‘Glory to God in the Highest,’ filled with excitement and joy in celebration of Christ’s birth.” It’s the perfect way to set the tone for a Christmas concert.

“Joyful and triumphant” isn’t always loud and bold. Some of our quieter selections, like Morten Lauridsen’s breathtaking “O Magnum Mysterium” and Peter Anglea’s tender new arrangement of “Silent Night,” capture the wonder and victory of the season in a more reflective, serene way.

The theme of joy continues into a sing-along when the audience is invited to join in festive favorites like “The First Nowell” and “Joy to the World.” We’ll keep the merriment going with playful pieces such as John Frederick Hudson’s lively rendition of “I Saw Three Ships” and the humorous Canadian Brass arrangement of “The 12 Days of Christmas.”

Throughout the concert, you’ll hear a mix of familiar and contemporary classics, carols, and hymn arrangements designed to inspire and warm your heart. Our finale piece is Dan Forrest’s magnificent “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” which captures every nuance of Charles Wesley’s beloved lyrics. It’s a triumphant finale to a night of joyful celebration. We are so very happy to have you here with us!

Wishing you a Christmas season filled with warmth and wonder!"

David Scott, Georgia Festival Chorus Artistic Director