A 2025 Chorale Christmas
Dec. 22
For many folks across the Valley, the holidays don’t really feel like they’ve begun until the Phoenix Chorale takes the stage. For decades, A Chorale Christmas has been a gathering point: a place where familiar songs, new music, and shared voices come together in celebration.
This year’s program spans centuries of holiday music, from ancient sacred texts that have shaped the season for generations to modern works and settings that continue to reimagine what Christmas music can be. Along the way, the Chorale blends festive favorites with a few welcome surprises, creating a tradition that feels both deeply rooted in the past, and yet very much alive.
The broadcast features the Phoenix Chorale under the direction of guest conductor Edith Copley, a renowned educator, longtime leader in the choral world, and a familiar presence in Arizona’s musical community. Throughout the program, Copley offers reflections on the music, the tradition, and the simple power of people singing together – including those moments when the audience joins in. It’s a reminder that this music doesn’t just live on the stage; it belongs to everyone.
Featured in this episode:
Koepke – Veni, Veni Emmanuel
Howells – A Spotless Rose – featuring Caleb French, baritone
Arr. Kirchner – Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming – featuring Michael Salazar, piano and Taylor Morris, violin
Praetorius – Angelus ad pastores ait
Arr. Choi – Angels We Have Heard on High – featuring Christina Hall, mezzo soprano
Arr. Willcocks – The First Nowell – featuring audience singalong and Michael Salazar, organ
Courtney – While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks – featuring Michael Salazar, piano
Arr. Bittrich – Festejo de Navidad – featuring Lindsay Decoste, ukulele
Sweelinck – Hodie Christus natus est
Memley – O magnum mysterium
Ames – De King is Born Today – featuring Gabriel Frongillo, tenor
Karai – Allelujah
Moore – The Twelve Days of Christmas
Bettinis – In the Bleak Midwinter – featuring Michael Salazar, piano; Holly Sheppard, mezzo soprano; Katherine Rosenfeld, soprano; and Lindsay Decoste, alto
Gibbs – Sweet, Little Jesus Boy – featuring Jordan Murillo, tenor
Paulus – Silent Night – featuring Lies’l Hill, soprano and Gavin Ely, tenor
Arr. Rubino – It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – featuring Michael Salazar, piano
Arr. Roberts – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – featuring Jason Raetz, baritone
SPOTLIGHT
STAY in touch
with azpbs.org!
Subscribe to Arizona PBS Newsletters:
Dec. 22
A 2025 Chorale Christmas
Dec. 16
Holiday Voices
Dec. 9
American Composers
Dec. 2
Strings and Hammers
Nov. 25
Native American String Quartets
Nov. 18
Contested Eden
Nov. 4
Winds and Poetry – Re-Air!
Oct. 28
Keyboards
Oct. 21
Chamber Music
Oct. 14
Beethoven’s 6th Symphony
Sept. 26
Marko Topchii
Sept. 22
Death and the Maiden
Sept. 12
All Mozart
