Baroque Christmas concert to reveal uncovered music

By Christine Finnegan

The Orchestra of New Spain (ONS) will perform its annual Baroque Christmas concert at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 7611 Park Ln. in Dallas, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. and Jan. 4 at 6 p.m. at St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church, 8131 Military Parkway. Admission is complimentary; donations are appreciated. This unique Christmas program incorporates the Orchestra of New Spain’s vast research into the undiscovered music of Spain and the New World. The discoveries of the joyful villancicos — Christmas carols — that filled cathedrals and village churches throughout Hispanic America will undoubtedly delight all in attendance. Cathedrals in Mexico City and Santiago de Cuba are particularly significant and venerated. This year, the audience will be introduced to Chilean composer Alfonso Letelier Llona, whose work in early 20th century choral music influenced the text and poetry that is most prevalent in Gregorian and modal singing. Christmas cantatas of Francisco Courcelle and the villancicos of Padre Antonio Soler will pay homage to Baroque European repertory. The music of the season will be performed by Orchestra of New Spain’s soloists and chorus.

“Baroque music is very theatrical with ornate mannerisms and this style was especially ubiquitous in seventeenth and eighteenth century Iber America,” said Artistic Director Grover Wilkins. “This dramatic approach is ideal for a Christmas concert that the entire family can enjoy.” For additional information on Orchestra of the New Spain, visit orchestraofnewspain.org.