Ceremonies of Carols
Con Brio Chorus, Con Brio Festival Orchestra, Sarah Armstrong (guest soprano), conducted by Dr. Chris Shepard
A Ceremony of Carols. Op 28, Britten, arr. Harrison, (with harp)
The Christmas Song, Wells &Tormé arr. Snyder & Higgins
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Pola & Wyle, arr. Rubino
Intermission
O Come, All Ye Faithful, trad. arr. Willcocks (with audience)
Fum, Fum, Fum, trad, arr. Wilberg
Away in a Manger, trad. arr. Wilberg
A Christmas Symphony, Suites One and Two, Fraser, (with Sarah Armstrong, soprano)
Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Mendelsson, words by Wesley, arr. Willcocks (with audience)
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28
Composed in 1942 during his return voyage from the United States to England, Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28, stands as one of the most beloved choral works of the twentieth century. Originally written for treble voices and harp, Con Brio will perform Brittten’s later SATB version. The piece draws on a collection of medieval English texts that Britten encountered during his journey, shaping them into a radiant sequence that reflects both the mystery and joy of the Christmas story.
Rather than presenting a single narrative, Britten organizes the work as a series of contrasting movements, framed by the plainsong processional “Hodie Christus natus est.” Within this structure, he explores a wide range of moods—from the exuberant energy of “This Little Babe” to the serene stillness of “There Is no Rose,” and the contemplative beauty of the harp interlude. The interplay between voices and harp creates a distinctive, shimmering sound world that evokes both ancient tradition and modern clarity.
A Ceremony of Carols reveals Britten’s extraordinary sensitivity to the text, combining rhythmic vitality, lyrical grace, and expressive depth. The result is a work that captures the wonder of the Nativity while remaining timeless in its emotional appeal, continuing to enchant performers and audiences alike.
Concerts will be held at the Morgan School, 71 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton, CT 06413, Saturday December 12 and Sunday December 13, 2026 at 3:00 PM
The Morgan School is a wonderful modern facility with a large comfortable auditioriun and extensive parkining. The school is on CT Route 81 just north of I-95 exit 63, past the Clinton Outlets. Click on the Google map below
Link to Google Maps