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It is difficult to imagine a more diverse set of satisfying seasonal works than the 30 selections (well over an hour of music!) on the Phoenix Chamber Choir's Christmas Is. . .! This Vancouver-based mixed choir is everything nice; it has great balance, solid tone, and that certain something--a love for music that permeates every note they sing. With just 18 members, the Phoenix Chamber Choir manages to sound full and intimate all at once.

Unlike its more recent release (The Huron Carol, also reviewed here), Christmas Is. . . is a bit more light-hearted, as indicated by the opening cut, "The Christmas Song." Other bright 'n easy numbers include "Deck the Halls," "Jingle Bell Rock," and "Let It Snow." Also unlike the later album, the Phoenix Chamber Choir's Christmas Is. . . presents four traditional Mexican numbers in Spanish, including the dynamic "Fum Fum Fum" (no lyrics or translations included). The remaining pieces are a great mélange of mostly ancient works (Traditional French, Scottish, English) and classic carols.

It is very unusual to find an a cappella holiday album so packed with variety and brimming with good cheer. The Phoenix Chamber Choir's Christmas Is. . . is a mighty fine choral offering for the season.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Cortland Hultberg, Conductor

Soprano: Margaret Barry, Sheryl De Coste, Rosemary Lister, Leanne Patenaude

Alto: Joy Smith, Charlene Gallaher, Deborah Gibson, Barbara Paul

Tenor: David Cousins, David Sugars, Graeme Wearmouth, Howard Meadows, Scott Gould

Bass: Rob Hollins, Stuart Tarbuck, Grant Rowledge, Brian Gibson, Bill Paul

PHOENIX CHAMBER CHOIR. Since its founding in 1983 under conductor Corland Hultberg, Phoenix has become one of Canada's finest vocal ensembles.

From the start, member-driven and highly disciplined, the choir has devoted itself to a wide ranging repertoire. One never knows what to expect at a Phoenix concert, a characteristic the choir tries to maintain and one that is popular with audiences, since there is likely to be something of interest for everybody.

CONDUCTOR CORTLAND HULTBERG is a professor of Theory and Composition at the University of British Columbia, and is a founding member of the School of Music, coming to Vancouver from Arizona at the invitation of Welton Marquis in 1959.

From the Web site:

Founded in 1983, the Phoenix Chamber Choir has established itself as one of Canada's finest vocal ensembles. Over the past 19 years, the choir has amassed an exemplary list of awards and honours, including first place wins in seven consecutive CBC National Choral Competitions. In 2002, Phoenix won first prize in the fiercely contested Chamber Choir Category and placed second in the Contemporary Music Category. The choir was again a double winner in both the 2000 and 1998 competitions, as well as the recipient of the prestigious 1998 Canada Council Healey Willan Grand Prize for best choir overall.

Phoenix Chamber Choir

Christmas Is. . .

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Track List