Upper Canada Choristers & Cantemos Perform a Folkloric South American Christmas Classic
Navidad Nuestra, a folk drama telling the story of the Nativity through the rhythms and traditions of Hispanic America, ushers in the holidays when the Upper Canada Choristers and their accomplished Latin ensemble Cantemos present A Seasonal Journey, Friday December 1, 7:30 p.m. The concert is the first of the choir’s 30th season.
With Laurie Evan Fraser conducting, pianist Hye Won (Cecilia) Lee, and guest musicians, the performance takes place at Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Road, Toronto. Tickets, $25, can be ordered via Eventbrite or purchased at the door. Children 16 and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult. Mask-wearing is strongly recommended. Information will be posted on the choir’s website, or by calling 416-256-0510 or emailing [email protected].
LIVE STREAM: Audiences may also watch the live stream through the choir’s website or Facebook, or on YouTube. There is no charge for the stream, but donations are welcome.
The 1963 folkloric Navidad Nuestra (Our Nativity) by the great Argentinian composer Ariel Ramirez (1921-2010) is the centrepiece of a concert that explores the music of different cultures. As Laurie Evan Fraser says, “As we celebrate both our diversity and our commonalities, we ultimately open the door to peace and understanding.”
With poetry by Felix Luna, Navidad Nuestra places the story of the Nativity in a South American setting, with each of its six movements reflecting the music of a different regional culture. Joining the choir for this work are Ernesto Cárdenas, kena; Miguel Vásquez, percussion and kena; José Sanhueza, guitar; and Rodrigo Chavez, charango and percussion.
As she has since the choir began its pandemic era streaming, Nora Dunn introduces the program, which Dec. 1 will also feature Christmas music from British and Celtic traditions, a Basque Noel, a Hebrew song that expresses longing for the peace that will surely come next year, and a joyous Chanukah number. A Canadian carol, Comfort and Joy, with music by Laurie Evan Fraser and words by Jacqui Atkin, was inspired by the challenges of COVID. The audience will be invited to join in singing a couple of favorite carols.
The concert is sponsored by The Mills Team, Royal Lepage Signature Realty.