2006-2007 Season

An English Christmas

Friday, December 8, 2006
Sunday, December 10, 2006

First Church in Cambridge UCC
St. John the Evangelist, Boston

The Boston Choral Ensemble begins its sixth season with the warmth and tradition of An English Christmas. Featuring classical selections from the traditional cathedral repertoire, the concert includes works by William Byrd, Benjamin Britten, and Herbert Howells. The program also includes a newer selection from the British composer Giles Swayne, born in 1946.

We’re pleased to welcome Boston’s premiere handbell ensemble, the Back Bay Ringers, who will add to the festivities with a guest appearance in our concert.

Mass for Five Voices — William Byrd
Kyrie
Gloria
Credo
Sanctus
Benedictus
Agnus Dei
A Christmas Round — John Tavener
Today the Virgin — John Tavener
Three Carol-Anthems — Herbert Howells
Here is the Little Door
A Spotless Rose
Sing Lullaby
Hymn to the Virgin — Benjamin Britten
Magnificat — Giles Swayne

Passio

Saturday, March 17, 2007
Sunday, March 18, 2007

First Church in Cambridge UCC

BCE presents the New England premiere performance of Arvo Pärt’s 1982 masterpiece, Passio. Our performance will feature a small chamber ensemble, soloists, and the full choir in the drama. Throughout, the music will be accompanied by a video projection of the text in translation and examples of passion art through the centuries

Passio — Arvo Pärt

Americana

Friday, May 18, 2007
Sunday, May 20, 2007

First Church, Cambridge
Church of St. John the Evangelist, Boston

Join us as we close our sixth season with a bang! Our Americana program features works by some of America's greatest composers. The performance will include Irving Fine's masterpiece, The Hourglass, and Samuel Barber's Agnus Dei based on his famous Adagio for Strings from 1936.

Modern Music from The Psalm-Singer's Amusement — William Billings
An American Triptych — Bruch Fithian
Four Motets — Aaron Copland
Help us, O Lord
Thou, O Jehovah, Abideth Forever
Have Mercy on Us, O My Lord
Sing Ye Praises to Our King
Psalm 23 — Josh Stoddard
The Hour-Glass — Irving Fine
O know to end as to begin
Have you seen The white lily grow
O do not wanton with those eyes
Against jealousy
Lament
The Hour-Glass
Agnus Dei — Samuel Barber
Hear My Prayer — Moses Hogan
Steal Away — Trad. (arr. William Dawson)
The Battle of Jericho — Trad. (arr. Moses Hogan)