Towards the World

A star in the night sky, a blossom in winter, a child amongst animals: Christmas tells of a God who entrusts himself to the earth. With ten a cappella works from the 20th and 21st centuries, the Vokalkunst chamber choir follows this trail right into the bustling life of our present day.

‘Arise, become light’: Budi Susanto Yohanes’ *Surge illuminare* opens the evening as a wake-up call. Arvo Pärt’s *Morning Star* broadens our gaze to a morning no longer followed by night. Erhard Mauersberger’s *Weihnacht* and Erling Pedersen’s arrangement of *Es ist ein Ros entsprungen* bring hope closer: like a blossom in the midst of winter.The programme pauses at the manger. Keiko Harada’s *Et incarnatus est* and Andrej Makor’s *O magnum mysterium* combine the affirmation of the Incarnation with wonder at the child in the manger. Bertold Hummel’s *Silent Night* guides this moment of reflection into a familiar melody.

But what does Christmas sound like beyond the nativity scene? Eric William Barnum’s *Carol of the Angels* takes us amongst hurrying passers-by and bustling shops. Amidst the hustle and bustle, angelic voices can be heard. Via Paul Fincham’s *Ring the Bells*, the journey leads to Kestutis Daugirdas’ *In dulci jubilo*: English song verses and Latin exclamations carry the joy out into the world.

Erhard Mauersberger – Christmas
Arvo Pärt – Morning Star
Bertold Hummel – Silent Night
Keiko Harada – Et incarnatus est
and other works

Vokalkunst Chamber Choir
Conductor: Daniel Radde