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.
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:
Featuring performances by Ilona Kubiacyk-Adler, organ; Phoenix Chorale; Christopher Gabbitas, conductor; Jeremy Peterman, organ; Tom Peterson, conductor; Caleb French, baritone; Lies’l Hill, soprano; Gabriel Frongillo, tenor.
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