A Ceremony of Carols Holiday Concert December 5, 2009

WomenSing, directed by Martin Benvenuto, a 50 voice chorus with a vibrant and beautifully blended sound, engaging audiences in the Bay Area since 1965.

Come hear innocence and hope in Benjamin Britten's masterpiece and audience-favorite, written on his voyage home to Britain in 1942. A stunning Magnificat in 10 parts conceived as a prayer labyrinth by Christine Donkin, a three choir Dona Nobis Pacem by Ko Matsushita.and other pieces by Debussy, Carter, Diemer reflect the presence of hope and renewal that we long for in this holiday season.

Hope for Resolution arranged by Sean Ivory and Paul Caldwell, a juxtaposition of a familiar European chant melody and an anti- apartheid song from South Africa sung in Zulu. The song reflects respect for divergent musical styles and points us to our innate potential for peaceful coexistence.

To end the program: John Rutter's arrangement of Silent Night performed surrounding the audience with candlelight.

Official Website: http://www.womensing.org