Ring in the holidays with our annual performance of early American music from Appalachia and New England - While Shepherds Watched. Powerful, rousing shapenote tunes and lively Shaker songs bring the cheer of Christmas to life. These uniquely American music traditions are part of a vibrant cultural heritage, passed down through oral traditions, singing schools, and community practice. Shaker and shapenote music beautifully showcase the simple power of communal singing – in fact, the most common shapenote book, The Sacred Harp, is named after that sacred musical instrument given to us at birth: the human voice. Join Radiance for this festive, joyful celebration!
 

PROGRAM

Jeremiah Ingalls (1764-1838) - Redemption

Joseph Stephenson (1728?-1810) - Anthem from Luke

Charles Ives (1874-1954) - A Christmas Carol

arr. Jeremiah Ingalls - The Apple Tree

arr. Lauren Kastanas (1992) - Star in the East

Sister Patsy Roberts Williamson - Pretty Home

Eldress Paulina Bryant - This is Jesus' Birthday

John McCurry - Raymond

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Himes' The Millennial Harp, 1842 - Joys Seven

arr. Kevin Siegfried (b. 1969) - New Year's Gift

Martha Jane Anderson - Give good gifs one to another

arr. Siegfried - Carols, carols, everywhere

arr. Jordan Sramek - Morning Dawn

arr. Jordan Sramek - Bozrah

William Billings (1746-1800) - Bethlehem

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*This program was developed by Lauren Kastanas​​

SINGERS

SOPRANOS

Julia Baker

Margaret Obenza

Ruth Schauble

 

ALTOS

Rachel Border

Teresa Clark

Lauren Kastanas
 

TENORS

Tim Blok

Orrin Doyle

Michael Sederquist

 

BASSES

Benjamin Rogers

Isaiah Ragland

Daniel Shreiner