FEATURE image: Milwaukee’s Bel Canto Chorus in public performance. Fair Use.

INDEPENDENT CHORUS FOUNDED IN 1931

Founded in 1931, Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s independent 100-voice Bel Canto Chorus performs carols and hymns in the historic Basilica of St. Josaphat, a Polish-style church in Milwaukee completed in 1901 and boasting one of the largest copper domes in the world.

SOLD OUT CONCERTS AT CHRISTMAS

The Bel Canto Chorus is made up of singers from throughout southeastern Wisconsin and northeastern Illinois. Their Christmas concert is one of their most locally popular of the year and its weekend of Christmas concerts is often sold out.

In this 2019 performance, Music Director Richard Hynson conducts. Hynson has been music director of the Bel Canto Chorus since 1987 and in 2012 received the American Prize in Choral Conducting, Community Choral Division.

The Bel Canto Chorus has an impressive international performance portfolio, including performances at the Spoleto Music Festival in Italy and music festivals in France, the UK, Ireland, Canada and Argentina and Uruguay.

CONCERT AT BASILICA OF ST. JOSAPHAT, COMPLETED IN 1901

PROGRAM:
Organ Preludes
arr Hoggard – Personent Hodie
arr Willcocks – O Come, All Ye Faithful
arr M Hynson – Masters in This Hall
arr M Hynson – Away in a Manger
arr M Hynson – Joseph, Look East! Ships!
arr M Hynson – Still, Still, Still, A Lullaby
Biebl – Ave Maria
arr M Hynson – On High
arr M Hynson – Go Tell It on the Mountain
Rutter – Gloria – I Gloria in excelsis Deo
Rutter – Gloria – II Domine Deus, Res caelestis
Rutter – Gloria – III Quoniam tu solus sanctus   
arr M Hynson – Silent Night
arr R Hynson – Joy to the World
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Organ Recessional and Postlude

This performance is approximately 90 minutes.