Symphony Sessions

THE FEAST OF SEASONS CHRISTMAS CONCERT / CONCERT INTRODUCTION

The birth of this concert was more spontaneous than strategic.  Halfway through the World Premiere of the Symphony Sessions concert, the management of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra cornered a member of Steve Bell’s staff backstage and proposed a Christmas concert for the following December. Further consideration expanded the offer from one concert to three, and then to a seasonal tour that would take band and orchestra together to five additional locations to offer the concert to more far flung audiences.  The 2300 seat Centennial Auditorium was sold out for all three of the Winnipeg shows, and the tour shows were a great success, establishing Steve Bell / The Feast of Seasons as an outstanding seasonal concert offering.  This concert has since toured Western Canadian venues, and will be performed in Ontario and Saskatchewan in 2009.

FIRST HALF

Holiday Overture

The concert opens with an “orchestra only” feature – a robust overture of the evening’s themes composed by arranger Mike Janzen. Challenging and delightful, this piece lets the audience know that the orchestra is here to really play, not just to back up the singer and the band.

Ready My Heart

Like many traditional folk dances, this song starts simple and slow, and builds to a rousing, foot stomping finish.

Magnificat

This song, a John Michael Talbot contemporary classic and one of Steve’s favorite Christmas tunes, is drawn from the ancient song lyric attributed to Mary the mother of Jesus. Set in a beautiful arrangement utilizing lush voicing from both orchestra and choir, this piece invites us deep into the mystery of the Divine taking up residence in a human being.

Home For Christmas Medley – I’ll Be Home / Let It Snow / Sleigh ride

A jazzy celebration of some of the most delightful sentiments of the season – home, winter fun and romance. In this one, everybody swings!

Peace Be Unto You

A gentle Hebrew song wishing the blessing of peace for all, this arrangement features Steve’s elegant solo guitar and voice, accompanied by the distinctly European sounding duet of the principle violin and violist.

In The Bleak Midwinter

This Christmas standard (Lyrics by Christina Rossetti, 1872; Music: Gustav Holst, 1906) resonates with the determined hope of a writer that suffered greatly in her life and yet offered the gift of beautiful poetry to the world. The arrangement opens with the unique and icy sparkle of the entire string section playing harmonics, and warms to the open-hearted joy of the lyric.

Waiting For Aidan

An audience favorite from the Symphony Sessions tour, this Steve Bell instrumental celebrates the birth of a friend’s first child. It is a brassy, bluegrass tinged romp featuring solos from the band, and inviting the orchestras brass and percussion to join the party!

INTERMISSION

SECOND HALF

Burning Ember

From the gentle opening strains of the extended orchestra introduction, through the contemplative middle section and into the majestic finish, this second half opener transports the audience into a space of wonder and receptivity. The substantial poetry of the lyric (based on the writings of Saint John of Kronstadt), the beauty of the melody and the power of the full orchestra draw us in, and set the tone for things to come.

Christmas Jam (band only)

The orchestra takes a break while the boys in the band cut loose a little, giving Good King Wenceslas a run for his money!

Every Stone

Two time winner of the Pulitzer Prize (1957, 1989) and U.S. Poet Laureate (1987), Richard Wilbur’s poem by the same title forms the lyric of this song. Wilbur’s work emphasizes the finding of illumination in everyday experiences, and in this gorgeous orchestral setting the glow of his writing is carried into the hearts of everyone present.

Around The World Carol – Huron Carol / Un Flambeau / O Du Frohliche / Riu, Riu / Rise Up / Hark The Herald Angels Sing

A musical exploration in the grand expeditionary tradition, this epic medley takes us from a piece of music rooted in the Canadian First Nations history, through Europe to South America, into the British Isles and back home again, all in under 10 minutes! A celebration of the breadth of cultural music marking the Christmas season, this arrangement contains musical moments that will stay with you long after the concert is over.

Even So

A hymn like song, broad and lovely, filled with both longing and hope. The orchestra speaks comfort to our unanswerable questions, and under-girds a lyric that reminds us that we all need a place of certain love where we can sigh our deepest sighs.

Deep Calls To Deep

A crowd pleasing closer imported from the Symphony Sessions concert, Mike Janzen’s arrangement of this mystical “East meets West” features Gilles Fournier’s upright bass and the percussion of Daniel Roy, together with the orchestra’s hint of the Orient. Plenty of musical drama combined with a compelling lyric image make this song a strong close to the concert.

Silent Night (Encore)

Not to be missed, this accessible sing-along favorite welcomes the audience to join Steve, the band and orchestra in a gentle lullaby that sends us all on our way feeling filled up with the best of what Christmas can be – joy, rest and the peace that touches the deep places of the heart.