A Chorale Christmas: Navidad

Dec. 20, 2022

Winner of the 2023 Rocky Mountain Southwest Emmy® for Audio Live or Post Produced

The Phoenix Chorale performed their holiday program “A Chorale Christmas: Navidad” December 15th through December 18th across the valley. Classical Arizona PBS had the privilege of recording them at Pinnacle Presbyterian Church on Friday, December 16th. Arizona Encore listeners can hear the program in its entirety on air at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20.

The Chorale’s performance features a unique program that highlights Arizona’s Hispanic roots. Artistic Director Christopher Gabbitas will also be making a special appearance to chat about the music. This program will be available on DTV 8.5 Classical Arizona PBS, 89.5 K-BACH, and KNAU Arizona Public Radio in Northern Arizona. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy the program on-demand via the Classical Arizona PBS mobile app and via PBS Passport starting Wednesday, December 21st.

Phoenix Chorale standing on stage at Pinnacle Presbyterian church. Chris Gabbitas is speaking to the audience with a microphone. The stage is decorated with red poinsettias — Christopher Gabbitas addresses the crowd at Friday night’s concert.

We had an opportunity to sit down with Phoenix Chorale Artistic Director Christopher Gabbitas a couple of days before the ensemble began their concert tour around the valley. Hear our conversation about the holiday program, what makes the chorale unique, and what to look forward to in the spring.

Interview Part 1

Interview Part 2

Featured in this episode:

Lasso – Resonet in Laudibus - Phoenix Chorale; Christopher Gabbitas, conductor

Arr. Richards/Gabbitas - Three Catalan Folk Carols - Phoenix Chorale; Christopher Gabbitas, conductor

El Niño Querido

Traditional, arr. Kay/Gabbitas - Gaudete - Phoenix Chorale; Christopher Gabbitas, conductor

Folksong, arr. Peterson - A la Puerta del Cielo - Phoenix Chorale; Tom Peterson, conductor; Jeremy Peterman, organ

Ramirez, arr. Knight/Gabbitas - La Peregrinaçion - Phoenix Chorale; Christopher Gabbitas, conductor

Traditional – Hark the Herald - Phoenix Chorale; Christopher Gabbitas, conductor

Vaughan Williams - Fantasia on Christmas Carols - Phoenix Chorale; Christopher Gabbitas, conductor; Dr. Jeremy Peterman, organ; Caleb French, baritone

Traditional, arr. Zeeman Rugan - Wexford Carol - Phoenix Chorale; Christopher Gabbitas, conductor; Lies’l Hill, soprano; Gabriel Frongillo, tenor

Bernard, arr. L’Estrange – Winter Wonderland - Phoenix Chorale; Christopher Gabbitas, conductor

Tormé/Wells, arr. Knight/Gabbitas - The Christmas Song - Phoenix Chorale; Christopher Gabbitas, conductor

Pierpont, arr. Parry - Jingle Bells - Phoenix Chorale; Christopher Gabbitas, conductor

Traditional, arr. Burton, trans. Iniguez - Noche de Paz - Phoenix Chorale; Christopher Gabbitas, conductor