CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Christmas is a time of traditions and Nadales catalanes by Salvador Brotons is a regular feature of the Symphonic Band’s seasonal repertoire, although it will be the closing item in a programme full of novelties. The concert will include the first performance of Albert Guinovart’s Quatre cançons populars catalanes with a new arrangement for symphonic band. José R. Pascual-Vilaplana appears for the first time as resident conductor in a performance of one of his own works, Les quatre estacions, written for voice and band. It is based on the poem of the same name by Joan Tomàs Jordà i Sanchis, commissioned by Unión Musical Ciutat d’Assís and first performed at a charity concert in support of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Association. A Christmas Overture by Nigel Hess recalls popular Christmas carols such as Ha nascut el Déu Infant (Il est né le divin enfant) and Els àngels allà a la Glòria (Angels from the Realms of Glory). The programme is completed by Lauridsen’s calm, ethereal motet O Magnum Misterium and the joyful waltz Il bacio, Aldighieri’s poem set to music by Arditi.