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Our Review

Harp music for the holidays is like starlight on snow--fragile, bright, and magical. Sunita Staneslow is definitely a magician in this area; she is an accomplished harpist who has wowed audiences in Minnesota, Chicago, and Israel for many years. To read other holiday music reviews for this wonderful artist, see Christmas Eve (reviewed here) and Christmas Day (reviewed here). In fact, you should know that White Christmas in Jerusalem, which features a beautiful picture of that city's Church of All Nations on the album cover, reflects considerable overlap in song selection with the two earlier releases. Still, it is tough to get too much of music this good.

I don't know how you feel about harps, but heavenly angels surely give this release their enthusiastic endorsement. The playing is crisp, clean and emotive. Staneslow's technical abilities are remarkable, and her musicianship is outstanding. Some might regard solo harp as merely pleasant, but underwhelming, and others likely embrace such instrumental offerings as the perfect tonic for the holiday crush. All should agree that White Christmas in Jerusalem is the sort of aural tapestry that lowers blood pressure, lifts spirits, and envelopes listeners in gentle good cheer.

Staneslow's exquisite release covers familiar territory; all titles are in the public domain. I particularly liked her sometimes straightforward, sometimes incredibly complex, arrangement of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. This rendition sent chills down my spine and put a broad smile on my face.

Grab some starlight this holiday season in Jerusalem. Sunita Staneslow's White Christmas in Jerusalem will magically transport you in the first few bars!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2006)

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From the liner notes:

All titles: public domain
All music arranged by Sunita Staneslow
Executive Producer: Fred Schlomka

Made in Israel.

Sunita Staneslow lives in Israel. She performs with the Ra'anana Symphonette, and was the principal harpist for the Jerusalem Symphony during the 1986-87 season. Sunita also performs solo concerts at festivals and special events, and is a member of several ensembles. She tours regularly presenting concerts and master classes in Europe and the United States.

Sunita Staneslow

White Christmas in Jerusalem

Artist link

Track List