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Our Review

The 200-voice Washington Chorus is recognized as one of the foremost choral groups in the nation and, given the exquisite quality of Sing Noel!, it is easy to see why. The group gives an annual "Music for Christmas" concert series at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and this album features many of the carols and Christmas classics that have made that series so popular over the years. The Washington Chorus also has a more recent holiday release (Glorious Splendor, also reviewed on this site).

This generous CD (well over an hour of music) presents 18 tracks, including at least eight well-familiar carols. The music is classical without being the least bit stuffy. The tone is generally reverent and gentle, although there is certainly the occasional joyous burst of holiday fanfare. Some portions are sung a cappella, but most include a capable (and nicely restrained) organ (William Neil, organist). The National Capital Brass also contributes here in a stellar supporting role.

Sing Noel! is an excellent choice for those who enjoy big-time, holiday chorales with a classical bent. The musicianship is superb, and the song selection is first-rate. Beautiful!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Robert Shafer, Music Director
Dianne Peterson, Executive Director
Michael Forest, Tenor
William Neil, Organist
National Capital Brass

Each year, The Washington Chorus presents a series of "Music for Christmas" concerts in the Concert Hall of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This recording features many of the carols and Christmas classics which have been performed in these popular concerts.

Recorded on May 19-22, 1996, in the Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church, Bethesda, Maryland.
Engineer: Curt Wittig
Producer: Scott Guidry

From the Web site:

This wonderful collection of Christmas favorites is the Chorus' first Christmas CD and, when it was released in 1996, sold over 2600 copies in under two months. Full of Christmas classics and favorite carols, this CD is a must for everyone's Christmas collection and also makes a great Christmas gift!
A GRAMMY® Award Winner, The Washington Chorus is considered one of the foremost choruses in the nation and a cultural leader in the Washington metropolitan area. Each year, the 200-member Chorus presents its own subscription series at the Kennedy Center and frequently appears at the invitation of the National Symphony Orchestra, having appeared with them in more than 280 performances. Founded in 1961, the Chorus has sung under the direction of many of the world's greatest conductors, including Mstislav Rostropovich, Raphael Frühbeck de Burgos, Seiji Ozawa, Charles Dutoit, Karl Richter, Zdenek Macal, and Sir Neville Marriner. In addition to its regular Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap performances, the Chorus has sung throughout the metropolitan area and has been acclaimed for numerous world premieres, including the American premiere of Krzysztof Penderecki's Te Deum with the National Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. The Washington Chorus has recorded GRAMMY® nominated and winning CDs, been nationally broadcast and internationally televised, and has performed as part of a motion picture soundtrack. The Chorus has also performed for inaugurations and to honor world leaders, and has been touring internationally every other year since 1994.

The Washington Chorus

Sing Noel!

Artist link

Track List