1www.BelCanto.org

Dear Friends,

Happy Holidays to you all from Bel Canto Chorus. At this special time of year, I am thankful for Bel Canto’s patrons (you), choral members, and wonderful staff. It is the way in which all of you work together that makes Bel Canto Chorus so special for everyone involved.

Creating and sharing music of the caliber you will hear in our Christmas Concert is at the core of why Bel Canto Chorus has continued to exist for 82 years. As part of its mission, Bel Canto Chorus is dedicated to music education, collaboration with other performing arts groups in the community, and advocating for emerging artists. On the collaboration front, our “Works with Friends” theme this season is continued here with the collaboration of Bel Canto Chorus led by our Music Director Richard Hynson, Bel Canto Boy Choirs, the ever popular Stained Glass Brass, and our organist, Kevin Bailey. Please join me in congratulating all of our artists on the fruits of their combined efforts.

I am proud to be helping lead such an artistically and professionally impressive organization. But I know that Bel Canto could not continue to exist without you. Through the support of your attendance, your financial contributions, and your commitment to sharing exceptional choral music with others, we will continue to thrive and grow. Thank you for being such an important and supportive part of the Bel Canto experience.

Martin TierneyBoard President

FROM THE BOARD PRES IDENT

BE A VITAL PART OF THE

PERFORMANCE.

The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) is essential to the vitality of Southeastern Wisconsin. More than 35 local performing arts groups rely on UPAF funding to deliver their amazing performances and educational programs.

Learn more and donate at www.UPAF.org.©2013 United Performing Arts Fund, Milwaukee, WI. All rights reserved. Trumpet: Alan Campbell, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.

2 Bel Canto Chorus

ABOUT BEL CANTO CHORUS

Founded in 1931, Bel Canto Chorus enriches the lives of its audiences and members through the presentation of fine choral music. The group has been led for more than 25 years by Richard Hynson, considered one of the nation’s finest choral and orchestral conductors. (American Prize Winner 2012)

Bel Canto Chorus ranks in the top ten percent of choral organizations in the country in terms of budget, longevity, and repertoire. Educational outreach includes Bel Canto Senior Singers and Bel Canto Boy Choirs. Rehearsals are held at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center.

Characterized by a heartfelt belief in the value of Bel Canto Chorus, and supported by its devoted singers, audiences, talented artistic and administrative staff, and dedicated board members, the group’s passion for sharing the thrill of live, choral music has remained steadfast throughout its long, proud history.

To learn more about singing with Bel Canto Chorus, go online at www.belcanto.org, call (414) 481-8801, or email info@belcanto.org.

MISS ION STATEMENT

BOARD OF D IRECTORS

The mission of Bel Canto Chorus is to enrich the lives of its audiences and its singing members through the outstanding live presentation of the finest choral music and to reach out to the community in order to share the benefits and joy of the singing arts.

President .......................................................................................................................................................Martin TierneyTreasurer ..............................................................................................................................................................Jim HylandSecretary ............................................................................................................................................................Marc CohenChorus Representative .......................................................................................................................................... Jim Hill

Joshua Blakely, Sequoya Borgman, Tyler Draheim, Raúl C. Galván, Todd Jones, Betty Reul, Tom Thiele

ARTISTIC STAFF

ADMINISTR ATIVE STAFF

CHORUS CAB INET

Music Director/Conductor .................................................................................................................. Richard HynsonAssistant Conductor/Accompanist ..................................................................................................Michelle HynsonBoy Choirs Director .................................................................................................................................. Ellen M. ShulerSenior Singers Director ............................................................................................................................James D. Stout Senior Singers Assistant ..............................................................................................................Andrea S. Goetzinger Elna Hickson ............................................................................................... Boy Choirs/Senior Singers Accompanist

Executive Director ....................................................................................................................................... Nina M. JonesEducation and Outreach Manager ..................................................................................................Rebecca WhitneyMarketing and Patron Manager ...................................................................................................................Jim LaBelleEquipment Manager .................................................................................................................................James D. Stout

Jan Becker, CarolAnne Bozosi, Susan Brown, Elaine Ernst, Jim Hill, Susi Kiefer, Carol Lynne McKean, Marjorie P. Piechowski, Kerry Saver, Kristin Traut, Jennifer Watson

3www.BelCanto.org

BEL CANTO CHORUS

Lotta AlajokiVaughn AusmanKevin Bailey+Jonathon BartosRenee BartosKelly BartyczakCarol BayneJan BeckerSara Louise BitnerCarolAnne BozosiSusan BrownMarc CohenPeter CraigSue D’AlessioRachel M. DeesElaine ErnstChristine G. FitchChelsey FoscatoEmily FoxNaomi FritzKarri Fritz-KlausJanet GibeauJim GingeryAndrea S. Goetzinger+Eileen GriffithsLynn GutoskiBrett HaniskoKeith HeidmannJoan HenkelAshley Herrmann James HillCraig HoffmannGlenna Kate HolsteinDan R. HolzmillerJeanne HouleRonald HouleSally D. HoytKatherine HughesKathleen Hughes+Michelle Hynson+

Susi KieferKieth KlempJessi A. KolbergKyle KolbergRussell KopitzkeSteven KundaErin LaabsJonathan A. Laabs+James LaBelle+Penny LaferriereLindsay LammSandra Lash+Angela LeeJohn W. Lettermann+Loretta Jelinek LieskeK. David LupardusBarbara L. LyonsPatrick C. LyonsChris Martin+Kristin McGowanCarol Lynne McKeanDavid MeyersTheodore Perlick MolinariJeff NestaSarah Pabbathi+Marjorie P. PiechowskiAlexandra PieperBryan PreviteNicholas Scott Pullen+Debbie RakestrawJohn ReinardyBetty ReulDavid ReulKay RichardsonShira RichardsonKerry SaverKathleen SchilzKate SchmittAllison SchnierGlenn R. Schumann

Sarah SchwabMarcia SchwagerBrian J. SchwanzSusan Chamberlin SmithWilliam R. Smith+Binette SolomonErin StammPhilip StarrEric SteinJoan StevensJames D. StoutSheila StrockAmanda SullivanLora SunderJonathan SzczepaniakKen TazelaarKim TerekMary ThieleTom ThieleVeronica ThomasKristin TrautThomas TrederFausta UrbonieneBernadette VitolaSarah WarranJennifer W. WatsonNathan Wesselowski+Hazel WheatonRebecca Whitney+Alyssa WildaBen WildaJessica Wirth

+ Denotes Section Leader

4 Bel Canto Chorus

R ICHARD HYNSON

RICHARD HYNSON,Music Director/ConductorThis season marks Richard Hynson’s 26th year as Music Director of the Bel Canto Chorus and Orchestra. In addition, Hynson has served as Music Director of the Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra since 2006. In demand as a guest conductor, Hynson’s past engagements include performances with the Milwaukee Symphony, the Skylight Music

Theatre, and the Racine, Sheboygan, and Waukesha Symphony Orchestras. Hynson has conducted at Carnegie Hall in New York City, where he led a large national festival chorus and orchestra in Ralph Vaughan Williams’s Dona Nobis Pacem. He has guest-conducted the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra in one of the Concerts on the Square in Madison. He has also served as the Music Director for Gathering on the Green, the popular outdoor music festival in Mequon, WI. In 2012, Hynson was awarded the American Prize – community choral division. This national prize provides evaluation, recognition, and reward to America’s finest performing artists, ensembles, and composers. In making the award, the American Prize committee wrote: “During his 24 years as Music Director, Dr. Richard Hynson has transformed Bel Canto Chorus of Milwaukee from a venerable community chorus to a vibrant, successful arts organization respected for its artistic excellence, innovative programming, and impactful outreach…”

Hynson and members of Bel Canto Chorus have performed internationally at the acclaimed Spoleto Music Festival in Italy, the Festivals of Troyes and Rheims in France, the Llangollen Festival in Wales, and the Elora and Huntsville Festivals in Canada. In addition to its annual concert season, the chorus is often called upon to participate in performances by national touring companies. In 2010, Bel Canto participated in Star Wars in Concert and in the Video Games Live national touring concert, and in February 2013, Bel Canto sang in the Distant Worlds touring concert. The chorus completed a successful international tour in July 2011, performing with several orchestras in Argentina and Uruguay, and in June 2013, Hynson conducted Bel Canto and two French choruses in three performances of Brahms’s Requiem with L’Ensemble Orchestral de Bordeaux in France.

In addition to his work as a conductor and educator, Hynson is a composer. He has written a substantial body of published choral, vocal, and ensemble works, many of which he has recorded with Bel Canto Chorus singers. The U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants have frequently performed Hynson’s In the Midst of Life, composed in response to the events of September 11. Most notably, they presented it in New York City’s Avery Fisher Hall for the national conference of the American Choral Directors Association.

Under Hynson’s direction, Bel Canto opened its 81st season on Sunday, September 11, 2011, with United We Stand in Cathedral Square Park. This free concert marked the tenth anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks, and featured Mozart’s Requiem and Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings” in collaboration with the Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra. “The chorus sang with force and assurance, easily separating the complex vocal lines...and following Hynson’s judicious phrasing in when to hold back and when to let go.” (David Lewellen, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) This January will mark the fourth annual commemorative concert celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr., presented by the Bel Canto Chorus and Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra.

5www.BelCanto.org

BEL CANTO BOY CHOIRS

Kai Bartl

Brody Drews

Kevin Eberle

Sawyer Esten

Teddy Esten

Michael Feist

Dylan Garza

Peter Garza

Nicholas Hightdudis

Joshua Hodge

Evan Hunter

William Kenealey

Bjorn Larson

Sam Laferriere

Louis Miller

Connor O’Brien

AJ Paea

Leo Paea

Nathan Rausch

Ethan Shuler

Philip Shuler

Trevor Smith

Aidan Treder

Joey Wiebersch

Mike Wiebersch

Jordan Yoon-Buck

+ Denotes Section Leader

ELLEN SHULER

ELLEN M. SHULER, Bel Canto Boy Choirs Director Ellen Shuler holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Montana State University and a Master of Music Education with Choral Empha-sis from Florida State University.  In September 2009, Shuler helped establish the Bel Canto Boy Choirs. The choirs, composed of more than 25 auditioned boys, perform choral repertoire from classical to mod-

ern.  Their first four seasons included concerts with Bel Canto Chorus, the Chorknaben Utersen, Vocal Arts Academy, and Midwest Vocal Express. Currently in their fifth anniver-sary season, the choirs were praised by music critic Elaine Schmidt (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) as being “well-trained, nicely blended, [and] disciplined.”  Prior to leading the Bel Canto Boy Choirs, Shuler was a director of the Milwaukee Chil-dren’s Choir for seven years, directing the first level premier choir, as well as the begin-ning and training choirs.  She worked as the assistant director and accompanist of the Bozeman Children’s Choir in Montana, as well as for Bozeman’s Mastodon Productions, singing jingles for area businesses and back-up vocals for local artists.  While in Montana, she was a member of the Bozeman Intermountain Opera Company.  Shuler taught choral and general music in Idaho, Colorado, and New Hampshire, as well as pre-primary music and movement classes in Colorado and New Hampshire.  She worked for several years as a choral music editor at Hal Leonard Corporation, where she was a contributing author to the Macmillan McGraw-Hill music education series, “Spotlight on Music” and “Music Express” magazine.  Shuler was recently selected to be the Repertoire and Standards Chair for Children’s Choirs for the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association. In addition to her position with Bel Canto Chorus, Shuler works at the University School of Milwaukee, where she directs the Upper School Concert Choir and Swing Choir, is mu-sic director of theatrical productions in both the Middle and Upper Schools, and teaches the pre-primary general music classes.  She also directs the youth choirs at Mequon United Methodist Church and maintains a voice and piano studio in Mequon, WI.

6 Bel Canto Chorus

STAINED GL ASS BR ASS

For over a decade, Stained Glass Brass has performed music that has stood the test of time. The name of the group commemorates the artistic achievements of sacred spaces. The churches and cathedrals of Europe have left a legacy of both beautiful stained glass and great music. Composers such as Giovanni Gabrieli in St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice and Giovanni Palestrina in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome wrote music specifically for such sacred spaces.

The members of Stained Glass Brass are full-time professional musicians who also perform regularly with many orchestras

and ensembles throughout the Midwest, including the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra, Wilson Center Big Band, and the Madison Symphony, among others.

TRUMPETSMike Dorau

Kyle EricksonDon Sipe

TROMBONESDave Lussier

Mark HoelscherJonathan Winkle

TIMPANIBrian Timm

Shully’s cuisine & events

7www.BelCanto.org

KEVIN BAILEY

Kevin Bailey is the Director of Worship and Music at Fox Point Lutheran Church, where he is organist and choir director.  He is a graduate of Augustana College (IL) and Indiana University, and is an alumus of Westminster Choir College’s summer conducting institute.  His principal teachers for organ have been Tom Robin Harris and Christopher Young, and he studied church music and improvisation with Marilyn Keiser.  He has accompanied and conducted choirs at Anderson University (IN) and

served as choir director and organist at several churches in Indiana before moving to Milwaukee in 2003. Bailey remains active outside the church as an accompanist and continuo performer throughout the Milwaukee area, performing with such groups as the Master Singers of Milwaukee, The Wisconsin Philharmonic Orchestra, the Bel Canto Chorus, and the Milwaukee Chamber Choir.

8 Bel Canto Chorus

9www.BelCanto.org

PROGR A M NOTES BY R ICHARD HYNSON

Composing The Christmas Story was a journey of discovery for me. One would think that, since the chronicle of Jesus’ birth has been around for millennia, composing music about it would be more straightforward. It all began last January.

In reviewing what audiences had liked in last December’s concert, I concluded that we needed another powerful work for brass, timpani, organ, and choir, like John Rutter’s rousing Gloria. I was so inspired by his brilliant and energetic music that I decided to write my own. While I certainly don’t put myself in the same league as a well-known, suc-cessful composer like Rutter, I do know Bel Canto and the Stained Glass Brass, and I know what I would want to hear in a concert like this.

Initially, I had planned to compose three movements, fast-slow-fast (like Rutter’s Gloria), and for texts I had decided to use traditional Latin and German carols and Christmas songs, but translated into English and updated. So, armed with these compositional starting points, I began to compose at the end of June.

In short order I had two of the movements drafted, but I wasn’t satisfied with the result. While I liked what I had written, the two pieces seemed to reflect on the Christmas story, rather than tell it. In the midst of wondering what I was going to do next, I discovered some old sketches of mine made years ago that depicted various Nativity scenes, such as Mary and Joseph going to Bethlehem and the Angel appearing to the shepherds. At once I decided to build on them to include the story itself.

Quickly my three-movement piece had expanded to eight, and the order of those move-ments changed radically. The movement that I had written to be first now became last (how Biblical!), and I turned to the opening of the Gospel of John as my logical begin-ning: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…” I then chose to structure the piece in the oratorio tradition of Bach by starting each section with a single voice (the Bel Canto Boy Choirs) or a choral voice recounting part of the story, followed by a section or movement that expands on it. I then ended the section, not with a congregational chorale like Bach, but with a favorite Christmas carol that we could all sing together.

I focused on the two parts of the Christmas story that I find the most intriguing: first, that Jesus was born in a cattle stall as there was no room in the inn; and second, that the Angel messenger announced the good news of Jesus’ birth, not to the wealthy and powerful, but to the lowliest: the shepherds. The paradoxes of Christmas—the omnipo-tent God deigning to become a helpless, vulnerable baby, and the most despised beings chosen as witnesses—have defined our understanding of giving, of human worth, and of sacrifice for others.

As those shepherds were invited over two thousand years ago, so are we now invited to the miracle of Christmas.

10 Bel Canto Chorus

Richard Hynson, Music Directorpresents

Christmas in the BasilicaSaturday, December 14, 2013 at 7:30 PM

Sunday, December 15, 2013 at 3:00 PM and 6:30 PMThe Basilica of St. Josaphat

featuring

Bel Canto Boy Choirs, Ellen M. Shuler, Director

Stained Glass Brass, Donald Sipe, Leader

Kevin Bailey, Organ

Once in Royal David’s City ..............................................................H. J. Gauntlett, harm. A. H. MannBel Canto Boy Choirs, Bel Canto Chorus, Organ

The Christmas Story .........................................................................................................Richard HynsonBel Canto Chorus, Bel Canto Boy Choirs, Stained Glass Brass, Organ

1. In the Beginning2. Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem3. In Sweet Rejoicing

The First Nowell ..........................................................................................Old English Carol, pub. 1833Sing-Along with Organ and Stained Glass Brass

4. There Were Shepherds5. The Shepherds Go To Bethlehem6. Shepherds, What Did You See?

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing ................................................................................. Felix MendelssohnSing-Along with Organ and Stained Glass Brass

7. The Word Was Made Flesh8. Today Christ is Born!

11www.BelCanto.org

INTERMISSION

O Come, All Ye Faithful ....................................................................... J. F. Wade’s Cantus Diversi, 1751Sing-Along with Organ and Stained Glass Brass

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear ................................................................................Richard HynsonBel Canto Boy Choirs

What Sweeter Music? ................................................................................................................ John RutterBel Canto Chorus, Organ

Angels We Have Heard On High ........................................................................................Don Sipe, arr.Stained Glass Brass

Carillon Carol ...................................................................................................................... Frances WilliamsBel Canto Boy Choirs

“O Nata Lux” from Lux Aeterna ...................................................................................Morten LauridsenBel Canto Chorus

God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen ....................................... English traditional carol, Willcocks arr.Sing-Along with Organ and Stained Glass Brass

Angels’ Carol ................................................................................................................................. John RutterBel Canto Boy Choirs

Still, Still, Still ............................................................................................................. Michelle Hynson, arr. Women of Bel Canto Chorus

Silent Night .................................................................................................................Michelle Hynson, arr.Bel Canto Chorus

Joy to the World ..........................................................................................................................G. F. HandelSing-Along with Organ and Stained Glass Brass

Thank You to Our Concert Sponsors:

with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowmwnt for the Arts

12 Bel Canto Chorus

PROGR A M TEXT

Once in Royal David’s CityMusic by H. J. Gauntlett | Arranged by A.H. Mann | Words by C. F. Alexander

Once in royal David’s city, Stood a lowly cattle shed, Where a mother laid her Baby, In a manger for His bed: Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ, her little Child. He came down to earth from heaven, Who is God and Lord of all, And His shelter was a stable, And His cradle was a stall: With the poor, and mean, and lowly, Lived on earth our Savior holy. And through all His wondrous childhoodHe would honor and obey,Love and watch the lowly maiden,In whose gentle arms He lay;Christian children all must be Mild, obedient, good as He.

For He is our childhood’s pattern; Day by day, like us, He grew; He was little, weak, and helpless, Tears and smiles, like us He knew; And He feeleth for our sadness, And He shareth in our gladness. And our eyes at last shall see Him, Through His own redeeming love; For that Child so dear and gentle, Is our Lord in heaven above: And He leads His children on, To the place where He is gone.

Not in that poor lowly stable,With the oxen standing by,We shall see Him; but in heaven,Set at God’s right hand on high;Where like stars His children crownedAll in white shall wait around.

THE CHRISTMAS STORYMusic and text adaptation by Richard Hynson

1. In The BeginningIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God; and the Word was God. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

2. Mary and Joseph to BethlehemNow it came to pass in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up to Galilee into the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, to enroll himself with Mary who was pledged to him though she was great with child. It happened while they were there that the day came that she should give birth. She brought forth her firstborn son. And she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

3. In Sweet Rejoicing

In sweet rejoicing, sweet rejoicing, sing we now, sing and be joyful! Sing we of the prophet’s story, God’s only Son came down from glory.Our delight lies in a manger, to our world he came a stranger.Jesus the babe shines like the sun, sent from God the holy one.Thou art Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.First and last, O holy Christ, to Thee our knee we humbly bend. O Christ!

13www.BelCanto.org

PROGR A M TEXT c o n t.

The First Nowell (Please join in singing the text in bold print) English traditional carol | Arranged by David Willcocks

The first Nowell the angel did say Was to certain poor shepherds, in fields as they lay, In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, On a cold winter’s night that was so deep. (Refrain) Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel! They looked up and saw a star Shining in the east, beyond them far; And to the earth it gave great light, And so it continued both day and night.Refrain

And by the light of that same star, Three wise men came from country far; To seek for a king was their intent, And to follow the star wherever it went. Refrain Then let us all with one accordSing praises to our heav’nly Lord,That hath made heav’n and earth of naught,And with his blood mankind hath bought. Refrain

4. There Were ShepherdsThere were shepherds in the same country staying in the field and keeping watch by night over their flocks. Behold! An angel of the Lord stood by them and the glory of the Lord shown upon them and they were terrified! The angel said to them: “Shepherds, fear not, for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy. For unto you is born this day the Savior of the world. Alleluia! Glory to God in the highest! Alleluia! Christ is born! And on earth peace, goodwill to men. Glory to God in the highest! Alleluia! Christ is born!

5. The Shepherds Go To BethlehemIt happened when the angels went away from them into the sky that the shepherds said one to another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem now and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made know to us.” They came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby in the manger. When they saw it, they shouted to all who would listen speaking to them about the child.

6. Shepherds, What Did You See?Shepherds! What did you see? Tell us, what did you see? Proclaim to us: who has appeared? Who has appeared upon the earth? We saw the newborn child, the blessed son of David. We saw the son of David, and choirs of angels praising the Lord! Announcing the birth of Christ!

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Please join in singing the text in bold print)Music by Felix Mendelssohn | Arranged by David Willcocks | Words by Charles Wesley

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With angelic hosts proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” (Refrain) Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Christ, by highest Heav’n adored; Christ the everlasting Lord; Late in time, behold Him come, Offspring of a virgin’s womb; Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail th’incarnate Deity, Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Refrain (cont. on next page)

14 Bel Canto Chorus

PROGR A M TEXT c o n t.

Hail the heav’n born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Ris’n with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by,

Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Refrain

7. The Word Was Made FleshThe Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, as of the only begotten Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

8. Today Christ is Born!Today Christ is born; today the Savior has appeared; today the Angels sing, the Archangels rejoice; today the righteous rejoice saying: Glory to God in the highest, Christ is born today! Glory to God in the highest, the Savior has appeared! Alleluia!

INTERMISSION

O Come, All Ye Faithful (Please join in singing the text in bold print)Music and Words by John Francis Wade | Arranged by David Willcocks

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant; O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem! Come and behold Him, born the King of angels!

(Refrain)O come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him! Christ the Lord.

See how the shepherds summoned to his cradle,Leaving their flocks, draw nigh with lowly fear:We too will thither bend our joyful footsteps: Refrain

Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation; Sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above: Glory to God in the highest!Refrain

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n:Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!Refrain

It Came Upon the Midnight ClearMusic by Richard Hynson | Words by Edmund H. Sears

It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old,From angels bending near the earth, to touch their harps of gold;“Peace on the earth, good will to men, from heav’n’s all gracious King.”The world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come with peaceful wings unfurled,And still their heav’nly music floats o’er all the weary world;Above its sad and lowly plains, they bend on hov’ring wing,And ever o’er its Babel sounds the blessed angels sing.

15www.BelCanto.org

PROGR A M TEXT c o n t.

What Sweeter MusicMusic by John Rutter | Words by Robert Herrick

What sweeter music can we bring Than a carol for to singThe birth of this our heav’nly King?Awake the voice! Awake the string!Dark and dull night, fly hence away,And give the honour to this dayThat sees December turned to May.

Why does the chilling winter’s mornSmile, like a field beset with corn?Or smell like a meadow newly shornThus on the sudden?Come and see The cause, why things thus fragrant be:‘Tis he is born whose quick’ning birth

Gives life and lustre public mirth,To heaven and the underearth.We see him come, and know him ours,Who, with his sunshine and his show’r,s Turns all the patient ground to flowers.The darling of the world is come,And fit it is we find a roomTo welcome him.

The nobler part of all the house here,Is the heart,Which we will give him; And bequeath this holly and this ivy wreath,To do him honour, who’s our King, And Lord of all this reveling.

Carillon CarolMusic by Frances Williams | Words by Frances Havergal

A little Child came down to earth long ago,And the hosts on high proclaim’d His birth here below.From out the night so clear and still their voice was heard,For they knew that the Child of Bethlem’s hill was Christ, the Lord.Alleluia!

The shepherds and the wise men, too, worship’d there;They came to see the little Child in stable bare.The shepherds and the wise men, too, worship’d Him,For the little Child who came to earth was Christ, the King.Alleluia!

The little Child who came to earth long ago,And the angels who proclaimed His birth here belowStill to our hearts again the joyous song they bring,For the little Child of Bethlem’s hill was Christ, the King.Alleluia!

O Nata luxFrom Lux Aeterna by Morten Lauridsen

O nata lux de lumine.Jesu redemptor saeculi.Dignare clemens supplicum Laudes preces que sumere.Qui carne quondam contegiDignatus es pro perditis.Nos membra confer effici,Tui beati corporis.

O born Light of Light,Jesus, Redeemer of the world, mercifully deem worthy and accept the praises and prayers of your supplicants.Thou who once deigned to be clothed in fleshFor the sake of the lost ones,Grant us to be made membersOf your holy body.

16 Bel Canto Chorus

PROGR A M TEXT c o n t.

God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen (Please join in singing the text in bold print)English traditional carol | Arranged by David Willcocks

God rest you merry, gentlemen, Let nothing you dismay, Remember Christ our SaviorWas born on Christmas Day,To save us all from Satan’s powerWhen we were gone astray:

(Refrain)O tidings of comfort and joy,Comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy.

From God our heav’nly FatherA blessed angel came, And unto certain shepherds Brought tidings of the same.How that in Bethlehem was bornThe Son of God by name:Refrain

But when to Bethlehem they came,Whereat this infant lay,They found him in a manger,Where oxen feed on hay;His mother Mary kneeling,Unto the Lord did pray:Refrain

Now to the Lord sing praises,All you within this place,And with true love and brotherhoodEach other now embrace,This holy tide of ChristmasAll others doth deface:Refrain

Angels’ CarolMusic and words by John Rutter

Have you heard the sound of the angel voicesRinging out so sweetly, ringing out so clear?Have you seen the star shining out so brightlyAs a sign from God that Christ the Lord is here?Have you heard the news that they bring from heavenTo the humble shepherds who have waited long?

Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo!Hear the angels sing their joyful song.

He is come in peace in the winter’s stillness,Like a gentle snowfall in the gentle night;He is come in joy like the sun at morningFilling all the world with radiance and with light.He is come in love as the child of Mary;In a simple stable we have seen his birth:

Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo!Hear the angels singing “Peace on earth”.

He will bring new light to a world in darkness,Like a bright star shining in the skies above;He will bring new hope to the waiting nationsWhen He comes to reign in purity and love.Let the earth rejoice at the Saviour’s coming;Let the heavens answer with the joyful morn:

Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo!Hear the angels singing “Christ is born”.

17www.BelCanto.org

PROGR A M TEXT c o n t.

Still, Still, Still / A LullabyStill, Still, Still – Traditional carol, translated & arranged by Michelle HynsonA Lullaby – music and words by Michelle Hynson

Still, still, still,While the baby sleeps, be still.The little angels softly singing,Over the manger, watchfully winging.Still, still, still,While the baby sleeps, be still.

Lullaby, dear holy infant,Close your sleepy eyes now and rest.In the manger safely slumber,All those around you shall be blest.Lullaby, whisper and sigh,Lullaby, lullaby.

Lullaby, angels surround you,Bringing tidings wondrous and new.Shepherds, frightened, come to the manger, Finding God’s great love through you.Lullaby, whisper and sigh,Lullaby, lullaby.

Sleep, sleep, sleep,Oh, sweet little Child, now sleep,As Mary sings so softly around you,And her true love gently surrounds you,Sleep, sleep, sleep,Oh, sweet little Child, now sleep.Be still and sleep, dear baby.

Hush, hush, hush,While the baby is sleeping, hush.Kind St. Joseph, vigil keeping,Angels are hov’ring while he is sleeping.Hush, hush, hush,While the baby is sleeping, hush.

Silent NightMusic by Franz Grüber | Arranged by Michelle Hynson | Words by Joseph Mohr

Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright, Round yon virgin Mother and Child, Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight; Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing alleluia! Christ the Savior is born.

Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light; Radiant beams from thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord at thy birth.

Joy to the World (Please join in singing the text in bold print)Music by George F. Handel | Arranged by Richard Hynson | Words by Isaac Watts

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room, And heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns! Let all their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains

Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

He rules the world with truth and grace And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness And wonders of His love, And wonders, wonders of His love.

18 Bel Canto Chorus

CORPOR ATE AND FOUNDATION SUPPORT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ( l i s t e d a s o f n o v e m b e r 25, 2013)

BEL CANTO LEGACY SOCIET Y

Bel Canto Chorus wishes to thank these friends for their generous support of our 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 seasons. Please consider adding your name to this list.

Members of the Bel Canto Legacy Society have agreed to include the Chorus as part oftheir estate planning arrangements. You may join them by contacting the Bel Cantooffice (414) 481-8801.

Sally D. Hoyt & Vaughn Ausman Margaret E. HaggertyKerry SaverJoanna & Chris Smocke

James SteinmanRoseann & David TolanLouis Winter

Angel ($100,000+)United Performing Arts Fund

Standing Ovation($20,000-$99,999)Lynde & Harry Bradley

Foundation

Bravissimo($5,000-$19,999)Milwaukee County-CAMPACHerzfeld FoundationHydrite ChemicalNicholas Family FoundationOconomowoc Area FoundationBert L. & Patricia S. Steigleder

Charitable Trust

Bravo ($1000-$4,999)San Camillo Senior Living

CommunityT. Rowe Price Program for

Charitable Giving: Justus F. and Barbara J. Paul Fund

Uihlein Charitable FoundationWilliam Stark Jones Foundation

c/o Lambert Law LLCWisconsin Arts Board

Fortissimo ($500-$999)Center for Communication

Hearing & Deafness, Inc.Kasdorf Family Charitable Trust

c/o Kaztex CompaniesHerbert Kohl Charities, Inc.

Matching GiftsNorthwestern Mutual

FoundationPNC Foundation Matching Gift

ProgramRockwell AutomationWe Energies FoundationWines For Humanity

It won’t be a party if you don’t invite...

www.mabaensch.com

19www.BelCanto.org

INDIV IDUAL SUPPORT

Bravissimo ($5,000+)LoRayne KosteckeIreene Sullivan

Bravo ($1000-$4,999)Charles BarnumSally Hoyt & Vaughn AusmanKatherine & Don SchwerinMary & Tom ThieleHelen Vettori

Fortissimo ($500-$999)AnonymousWendy & Marc CohenEileen GriffithsElizabeth M. HalkersonRudy MalzKeith MardakGrace MertenJean & Hilton NealBetty & David ReulMichael RyanKerry SaverMarcia & Jeff SchwagerMaria & Bruce TammiMichael WaltonInge & Frank Wintersberger

Forte ($250-$499)AnonymousCarole & Thomas BarnumLori BaumanMary Kathryn & James BrazaRandy CaseyCarol Alexander & Jim CouttsAnn FritschChristine & James HillKathleen & Tyrrell HughesLaura & Jim HylandRichard & Michelle HynsonPaula & Todd JonesBonnie & Kieth KlempMarjorie PiechowskiGwen & James PlunkettKathy & Mike PratscherRoseann & David TolanBetsey & Earnest WilliamsonVirginia WirthMarilyn & Doug Zwissler

Mezzo Forte ($100-$249)Lynne Ausman & David CrollDeborah BetsworthAnn & Joshua BlakelyEvert BosJames BrennanSusan Brown

Jillian BrussKaren BubenzerAnnette ByrneSally & Michael ChierSandra ChristensenJames CieslakNan & Dick ConserKay & John CrichtonPatricia & Phil CrumpDorothy & Larry Curran+Brian & Cindy DearingHelen & Paul DexterJanice B. DodsonPatricia DonohoeMary Alice Tierney DunnElaine ErnstLeona Fitzsimonds*Janice FordJanet & Stanley FoxMarilyn HartmannJohn HayesJune Hoyt In Honor of Sally HoytSusan & Donald KieferAdeline & Harvey KohnMichelle & Ed KotnarowskiCharmaine & James LaBelleDiane Lane & Bob Pipes In honor of Jim & Carol

CouttsHelga LarsenAnn & DeWayne LemkeLynne & Thomas LindemannSandie LofteJoseph LoukotkaBarbara & Patrick LyonsSue Martin-Steiner & Tony

SteinerMeridee & John MaynardCarol Lynne McKean In memory of Mary Louise

TammiEdith MoravcsikKatherine & Oliver MossMary Ann MuellerJoanne NevinsMaribeth & Chet NielsenDeborah & Jamshed PatelMary Pollock*Richard ProtzmannJoseph PukacJane QuinnKay RichardsonNikki & Darin RigglemanGail SchambowSarah & Joseph SchwabIsolde Schwegler*

Arleen SjobergMary SmiltneekSusan Chamberlin Smith &

William SmithJack SpoonerJessica & Andy StenzJean & Peter StorerShiela StrockRalph SzablewskiKen TazelaarAriana & Peter VoigtJames Ward*Adrienne & Robert WebbCarl WegeGordon Zion

Friend (to $99)Joan AnsinkKimberly AntonelliRuth ArmendainzSue ArmstrongCatherine BallewBlanche BanerianJanice & Robert Becker+John BolgerBarb & Chris Bondioli+Sequoya BorgmanBarbara & Neal Borkenhagen+Sandra Burg+Mary BykowskiRobert ChristieRuth DanbyBernadine & Bernd Davidson+Janet Day+Peggy DeanRosemarie DeisingerTyler DraheimMarcella EggesSharyn & William Evers+Dean Evert+Linda Evert & Wayne Komarek+Kathy & Roy Evert+Jean FicoRosemary FischerChristine & Jim FitchPatrick ForanMarynell ForanKarri Fritz-KlausFr. David H. Gau, S.J.Janet GibeauMerilou GonzalesSandy GrivettHalpin HackettVirginia HalaskaRobert HallfeldBernadette HillConnie & Dan Holzmiller

20 Bel Canto Chorus

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS - BEL CANTO CHORUS ANNUAL GALA - MARCH 16, 2013

UnderwritersBecker, Hickey & Poster Law

Offices Wendy & Marc Cohen Emily & Dean Crocker Laura & Jim Hyland Rudy Malz Betty & David Reul Kerry Saver Susan Chamberlin & William

Smith Ireene Sullivan Roseann & David Tolan Ariana & Peter Voigt Betsey & Earnest Williamson

Patron Table SponsorsRobert W. Baird & Co.Sally Hoyt & Vaughn AusmanPenny & Bob LaferriereMarcus Hotels & ResortsMillerCoors

Susan Chamberlin Smith & William Smith

Janet & Martin Tierney

Open Appeal DonorsCarole & Tom BarnumJan & Robert BeckeMary & Daniel BooteDawn & David BrightsmanDon CarlsonNan & Richard ConserKay & John CrichtonLinda & Vincents DindzansMary Alice Tierney DunnJanice DodsonRick GattoniJanet GibeauMerilou GonzalesGlenna HolsteinSally Hoyt & Vaughn AusmanPeter LarsonBarbara & Patrick LyonsLouis Menchaca

Kelsey & TJ MolinariAlexandra & Richard PieperDebbie Rakestraw Betty & Dave ReulKerry SaverKathleen & Timothy SchilzSarah & Joseph SchwabKatherine & Don SchwerinGreg SmithSusan Chamberlin Smith &

William SmithJoan & Bill StevensJanet & Martin TierneyKristin & Dave TrautGino VillaniNicole WarnerTina & Scott WeissRebecca & Steve WhitneyMichelle LaBella Wilkins & Brad

WilkinsJessica WirthKaryn & Bernard YousoMarilyn & Doug Zwissler

INDIV IDUAL SUPPORT c o n t.

William HoppenjanMary HorneJoanne IhlingBarbara Isgren+Mary JaeckleCarole JezekRichard JohnsonMarjorie JothenDolores KallenbergerKatie KaminskyEmily & Kevin KaneMary & Jerry KarthauserSuzanne KenyonMarianne KingElizabeth & Jed Kirchenwitz+Terri KuhlmannJulie & Steve KundaLindsay & Timothy LammAngela LeeDebbie & Randy LeRoyJohn LettermannAnne LewandowskiLoretta & John LieskeSarah LundquistKathleen & Roy MacGregorThelma MahoneyIone Minster

Linda & Ed MordyMary Moscisker In honor of Fr. Robert Betz

40th anniversary to the priesthood

Linda Rehorst-Paea & Sioeli Paea

Kimberly PalusChristine PapousekJayne PeltonDennis PelzekCarol PitterleAdrienne & John ReinardyMargaret RobertsonDonald RobertsonMarian RoeglinSusan RozemaLinda Schumann-SuminskiJohn ShierEllen & Dain ShulerCarol SkornickaMary SmithBinette SolomonDena SquairesMargaret Ann StackGlen StavensJean & Stuart Stein

Edwin StiegAlice & Michael Stolaski+Martha Stryker+Sonja SullivanLora & Gregg Sunder+Janet & Martin TierneyMary & Robert Treleven+Ruth TreulCarol & Marv Utech+Patricia VicenziJudith & Richard WagnerBeth Ann WaiteElizabeth WesselMary Beth WhalenWesley & Brenda Smith WhiteRebecca & Steven Whitney In memory of Betty WegeLinda Wilson+Peggy WipplingerSuzanne Zblewski+

+Donation in full or part in memory of Reese Griffiths

*Donation in full or part in memory of Robert Hedrick