The Valley Catholic November 21, 2017 | Page 9

COMMUNITY tvc.dsj.org | November 21, 2017 9 San Jose Symphonic Choir Season Opener The San Jose Symphonic Choir (SJSC), conducted by Music Director Leroy Kromm, will present its fi rst concert of the 2017-2018 season on Dec. 2, at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 13601 Saratoga Ave., Saratoga, at 7:30 p.m. The performance will feature Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Christmas cantata Hodie, or This Day, and other music of the holiday season. The choir will be accompanied by Nova Vista Symphony and Vivace Youth Chorus of San Jose. Tickets are: General, $30 in advance, $35 at the door, Seniors/Students/Mili- tary $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and are available through Brown Pa- per Tickets. Visit the Choir’s website, www.sanjosesymphon icchoir.org for a direct link to tickets and more information. Hodie Hodie, or This Day, is a nativity can- tata, written in 1953 by the venerable English composer, Ralph Vaughan Williams. It was his last work for cho- rus and orchestra, and he incorporated a lifetime of experience and styles into its composition. Exemplifying his belief that the voice “can be made the medium of the best and deepest hu- man emotion,” this wonderful piece provides a moving journey through moods light and dark, somber and joyful. The composer’s skillful reitera- tion of key musical phrases paints a musical picture that is enhanced by the poignant lyrics. Overall, the piece alternates be- tween narrative from the Scriptures, telling the story of the Nativity, and other prose or p oetry that embroiders the narrative theme. Vaughan Wil- liams gave the narrative portions to a childrens’ chorus, evoking an angels’ choir. A wonderful example is the story of the Three Kings: the story told by the children, followed by a stirring march, sung by the soloists who voice the kings, and the choir, which creates the mood of their movement under the Star, back and forth from faraway lands. Many lovely moments stand out in the work: the solo baritone’s aria setting Thomas Hardy’s poem “The Oxen,” a song of quiet longing for a gentler past; Mary’s sweetly in- trospective lullaby to the Babe, sung by soprano and women’s chorus; and the sparkling, joyful conclusion all combine to provide a stirring portrait of a familiar and beloved story. Vaughan Williams was one of the premier gatherers of English folk songs and used them extensively in his work. He was familiar with ancient chant and plainsong, as well as peasant tunes and court music. He was also a great reader and used verse and prose from many authors in his compositions. Hodie includes text from the Bible, and from poets Thomas Hardy (19th century), John Milton (17th century), and his wife Ursula, (20th century). More Holiday Performances Following its season opener, San Jose Symphonic Choir will present its festive annual treat, the You-Sing- It Messiah, on Dec. 4 at the beautiful California Theatre in downtown San Jose. For nearly 40 years, SJSC has en- joyed sharing the festive spirit of the holiday season. The evening begins with carols in the theatre’s ornate, art deco lobby, beautifully sung by Vivace Youth Chorus of San Jose, under the direction of Peggy Spool. SJSC’s own Maestro Leroy Kromm then leads the San Jose Baroque Orchestra and the entire audience in singing Handel’s beloved masterpiece. Tickets are avail- able through Symphony Silicon Val- ley Box Offi ce, (408) 286-2600, x23, or [email protected]. On Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m., the choir offers the first of two free commu- nity concerts at Saint Francis Xavier Church, 1475 LaSalle Ave., Seaside, at 7:30 p.m. This evening of seasonal music will help set the mood for cele- brating Christmas! Freewill donations will be gratefully accepted to help on- going recovery eff orts from the recent earthquake in Mexico. On Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m., the choir will perform as part of the Season of Hope program at the Cathedral Basilica of San Jose, 80 South Market Street, San Jose. This free concert is part of an annual performance series, made possible through a collaboration between local arts organizations and Saint Joseph’s Offi ce of Social Minis- try. SJSC will off er an oasis of calm in downtown San Jose, featuring the beauty and serenity of choral music of the season. Freewill donations provide food, shelter, medical care, and assis- tance with job searching to those in need in our community. For more information contact San Jose Symphonic Choir: (408) 995-3318, or [email protected]. YOU CHOOSE YOUR MORTGAGE PAYMENT! If you’re over 62 you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to pay off your current home mortgage or line of credit and choose a monthly payment of your choice. 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