Chicago a cappella presents “Silver Bells” holiday concerts

When a loving couple celebrates its 25th wedding anniversary, also called the silver anniversary, the couple usually acknowledges it by reaffirming their commitment to each other. When Chicago a cappella, an accomplished and innovative vocal ensemble, celebrates its 25th anniversary season, it acknowledges it by reaffirming its commitment to its audiences and presenting the best songs of its repertoire as well as stunning contemporary hits. As part of its 25th anniversary season, the ensemble is happy to present an elegant concert program called “Holidays a cappella: Silver Bells.” It will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday, December 7 at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Oak Park, at 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 8 and at 3 p.m. Sunday, December 16 at Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 9 at St. Clement Church in Chicago, at 8 p.m. on Friday, December 14 at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, and at 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 15 at Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville.

Just as silver is known for its radiance and clarity, Chicago a cappella’s 25th season shines with style, brilliance and mastership that can be heard in every song and every note presented by this virtuoso vocal ensemble. It is known that silver symbolizes the harmony that a couple needs to sustain a marriage for such a long period of time. Similarly, as a group of professional singers who perform without accompaniment, Chicago a cappella wouldn’t have been able to survive all these years without the perfect harmony that they have established between their voices and each other. Founding Artistic Director Jonathan Miller has shaped Chicago a cappella into a successful and popular vocal group that brings to its audiences elegance, joy, and aesthetical pleasure.

This season’s concerts are proudly prepared by Principal Music Director John William Trotter and renowned guest music directors. “Holidays a cappella: Silver Bells” features Guest Music Director Paul Nicholson and Guest Programmer Kathryn Kamp who are happy to present a spirited collection of fresh takes on beloved classics such as “O Tannenbaum” arranged by talented musical artist James Winfield and the Chanukah classic “Maoz Tzur” by a prolific composer of choral music in both English and Hebrew, Robert Applebaum. Chicago a cappella will also perform contemporary hits such as an arrangement of “Winter Wonderland” from the hit a cappella group Pentatonix. The group promises that its “audiences will enjoy the ‘best of’ Chicago a cappella’s holidays concerts, as well as familiar holidays tunes new to their stage.”

“Audiences will find comfort and joy as we revisit some of the most beloved arrangements we've sung over the past 25 years,” says Kamp. “You’ll be treated to new arrangements of classic songs of the season, including a "Silver Bells" written especially for us by our friend and Music Director Emeritus Patrick Sinozich. We look forward to continuing our Silver Anniversary with you!”

Besides the compositions named above, Chicago a cappella will demonstrate a great number of beautiful and technically challenging songs. It will start the program with the introit of Christmas Day “Puer natus est nobis” from Plainchant, Mode 7. The introit is a psalm or antiphon sung or said while the priest approaches the altar for the Eucharist, and “Puer natus est nobis” is definitely one of the best-known pieces of the Gregorian repertoire and has become a symbol of the ancient Christmas monodic tradition. It will be followed by a traditional French Christmas carol called "Il est né, le divin Enfant" (He is born, the divine Child), brilliantly arranged by American composer, arranger, conductor and teacher J. David Moore.

Another interesting and very meaningful piece that the group will present is “Shehecheyanu,” which is a common Jewish prayer said to celebrate special occasions. It is also called a blessing for “firsts” as it shows gratitude for new and unusual experiences and marks joyous moments. It is known that this blessing is recorded in the Talmud, which indicates that it has been recited for over 2000 years. Chicago a cappella’s Founder and Artistic Director, Jonathan Miller, was proud to write music for this meaningful prayer.

It will be followed by a touching piece “The Christ-Child's Lullaby” by acclaimed composer Gwyneth Walker, a spiritual called “Children Go Where I Send Thee” arranged by Robert Leigh Morris in a gospel-quartet style, a traditional Swedish song called “Kristallen den fina” arranged by Gunnar Eriksson, and “Convidando está la Noche” by 17th century Mexican composer, singer, viol player and teacher, Juan García de Zespedes.

Chicago a cappella will also present “Gabriel's Message” arranged by British composer, arranger and orchestrator Jim Clements, “Jingle a cappella” based on “Jingle Bells” written in 1857 by James Lord Pierpont and arranged by James L. Clemens, and “Christmas Waltz” with lyrics written by Sammy Cahn, music by Jule Styne, and arranged by Paul Langford. “The World for Christmas” written by Swedish composer and arranger Anders Edenroth will conclude the beautiful “Silver Bells” concert program.

All these unforgettable musical discoveries will create a special mood for this jolly holiday season. This accomplished and innovative vocal ensemble will bring joy and happiness to everyone who chooses to attend its “Holidays a cappella: Silver Bells” concert series. Let this ensemble and the talent of its singers shine like silver during this beautiful holiday season!

Performance dates and locations for “Holidays a cappella: Silver Bells” are: Friday, December 7 at 8 p.m. at Pilgrim Congregational Church located at 460 Lake Street in Oak Park; Saturday, December 8 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, December 16 at 3 p.m. at Nichols Concert Hall located at 1490 East Chicago Avenue in Evanston; Sunday, December 9 at 3 p.m. at St. Clement Church located at 642 West Deming Place in Chicago; Friday, December 14 at 8 p.m. at Fourth Presbyterian Church located on Michigan Avenue at Delaware, Chicago; and Saturday, December 15 at 8 p.m. at Wentz Concert Hall located at 171 East Chicago Avenue in Naperville.

For tickets and information, please call 773-281-7820 or go to www.chicagoacappella.org.

Natalia Dagenhart

Photo 1: Courtesy of Chicago a cappella

Photo 2: Courtesy of Elliot Mandel