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The Christmas Album
Various

The Christmas Album

Phoenix Chorale

Label: Signum Classics
Format: CD
Barcode: 0635212076224
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Catalog number: SIGCD 762
Releasedate: 03-11-23

- the Cecilia McDowall commission, together with twelve recordings that are of new arrangements in their current format and have not been performed or recorded elsewhere; 

- an opportunity to hear American and Hispanic repertoire sung by a choir that is from the nation and region where much of this music either originated or resonates especially strongly;

- We are a truly local choir, where each member is from the Greater Phoenix Community and most often singing professionally with our ensemble. This is rare within professional ensembles in the US, where other pro choirs have singers who fly in from out of state and engage in multiple projects every month. Our singers have other careers, many as music educators, and choose to sing with the Chorale as their main or sole professional choral endeavour

- Tom Peterson original composition, and Kira Zeeman Rugen arrangement tracks are both by Phoenix-based composers.

This is a Christmas album that has a sense of place, clearly identifying the Chorale as both American and from a border state with Mexico, and something for everyone whether they prefer serious or light festive fare. There is Hispanic influence in the repertoire choices, which include Catalan folksongs as well as Hispanic Renaissance music. It includes a commission by Cecilia McDowall, written for Christmas 2021, and also some contemporary Christmas favourites such as Sleigh Ride and Jingle Bells. This marks the Chorale's return to recording following an 8-year hiatus, and we are excited to begin this new relationship with Signum!