Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest

Conrad Susa’s “Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest” will be performed by the Island Choral Society at St. Paul’s in Charlottetown on December 6 at 3 pm.

It’s the annual Christmas concert of the Island Choral Society, the 40-voice choir that has impressed audiences with major classics such as Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” Fauré’s “Requiem,” Mozart’s “Requiem,” Bach’s “Magnificat,” and more—most recently Karl Jenkins’ “The Armed Man: a Mass for Peace.” The group is led by Dr. Margot Rejskind, noted for her leadership of the professional Luminos Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra, and the Forte Men’s Choir. The instrumental accompaniment is added by a brass ensemble from the Luminos Chamber Orchestra and pianist Timothy Luk.

Imagine a Spanish-American piñata party to celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus: songs for festive dancing and for gently rocking the infant to sleep. The Susa work is the principal feature, but there’s much more to this concert, with pieces ranging from Gabrieli’s “Hodie Christus natus est” and Mendelssohn’s “There Shall a Star” to the contemporary “Do You Hear What I Hear?” and “Ding Dong Merrily on High.” There will also be an audience sing-along for a number of familiar carols.

Admission is by cash only at the door or purchase online at islandchoralsociety.ca. For information, email islandchoralsociety@gmail.com or call 902-628-6778.