"CHANSONS DE NOEL" PRESENTED BY THE SAN DIEGO FESTIVAL CHORUS AND ORCHESTRA DEC. 4

November 16, 2016 (San Diego) -- The San Diego Festival Chorus and Orchestra will present a very special 15th anniversary holiday concert on Sunday,  December 4 from 3 to 5 p .m.  at the College Avenue Baptist Church (4747 College Ave., San Diego).  This East County-based, 70-voice chorus and 48-piece symphony orchestra uses outstanding San Diego area vocal soloists, performing in a venue with marvelous acoustics to audiences of up to 1,200.

The classical part of the program will present two works: Mozart's Te Deum and Saint-Saën's Christmas Oratorio.

Mozart composed the powerful "Te Deum" in 1769. The chorus sings it in traditional Latin.  An Austrian, Mozart led the way for the 1700s Classical Era.  At the young age of 14,  Mozart composed "Te Deum" (translation:: "For God"), , a seven-minute classic that has become classic music fanfare for opening Christmas concerts. It is as dramatic as it is beautiful.  

In contrast, the very lyrical and light "Christmas Oratorio" was composed by a Frenchman, Camille Saint-Saëns.  It is a famous work from the Romantic Era of the 1800s.  Saint-Saëns was a leader at that time. He made his concert debut at 10!

The second part of the program will feature seasonal music from a variety of periods and places including both familiar Christmas carols and some surprises.  You will recognize Christmas music in delightful new arrangements, and enjoy some unique songs like "Goin' to Bethlehem" and "No Time to Diet."