Schola Cantorum on Hudson Hosts From Darkness to Light Concert Series

The 35-voice, critically-acclaimed choral ensemble, Schola Cantorum on Hudson (SCH), will premiere Wayne Eastwood's Suite Noël, in concerts on Saturday, December 3, at 8:00 PM, at St. John's in the Village; and on Sunday, December 4, at 5:00 PM, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 73 South Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ. Suite Noël, featuring SCH mezzo Jennifer Gaskins, incorporates the Isaiah 35 text, "Then the lame . . .shall dance for joy!" Dancer Heather Godfrey creates and presents new choreography for the work, also appearing in 'Lord of the Dance' in the second half of the concert. Mr. Eastwood, who is also librettist of the multi-movement composition, will be in attendance at both concerts.

Within the SCH 2011-2012 season theme of Healing, the concert entitled 'From Darkness to Light,' is designed as a journey from human brokenness into a place of wholeness, and includes settings of the well-known 'Coventry Carol,' 'Rise up, Shepherd,' and 'People Look East,' concluding with a vibrant freedom song from the Zulu nation. Also included is the American premiere of a new setting of the familiar 'O Magnum Mysterium' text by SCH Featured Composer, Ivo Antognini, which just received its world premiere in Canada in October. "Our continuing focus on 'healing' (selected in response to the tenth anniversary of 9/11) is one of challenge musically with the Eastwood premiere, and a journey of a personal, internal nature on which we invite audience members to join us," comments founding Artistic Director Deborah Simpkin King.

Tickets may be purchased in advance for $15 at www.scholaonhudson.org or by calling 888-407-6002; or purchased for $20 at the door. Additional information regarding this concert, or any of Schola Cantorum on Hudson's activities can be obtained online at www.scholaonhudson.org or by emailing info@scholaonhudson.org.

Schola Cantorum on Hudson (SCH) was founded in 1995 by Dr. Deborah Simpkin King as an independent non-profit organization, and performs its full concert season in both Manhattan and New Jersey. Now in its seventeenth season, SCH boasts an internationally recognized new music initiative and five-pronged education and engagement program, in addition to its multiple performing ensembles. SCH is grateful to be supported by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the Marjorie Bunnell Foundation, and many other generous individuals, foundations, and business partners.