The art and performance community in Santa Barbara offers much more than a limited structure of theatre, dance, and music. This town has an extensive assortment of entertainment and art options to suit every taste, both in terms of talented residents and travelling performance groups and visiting events. This December is an excellent time to keep eyes on the art communities, since performance troupes of all types use the holiday season to showcase their end-of-year finales and festive, holiday-themed programs.
A group to watch for in particular is Quire of Voyces, Santa Barbara's a cappella vocal ensemble. Quire of Voyces, now in their 21st season, performs an inclusive array of music--from arrangements in the resplendent style of Renaissance choirs to a cappella interpretations of modern classics. Hearing the a cappella Quire, who performs concerts in such resonating environments as St. Anthony's Chapel on the grounds of the Garden Street Academy in Santa Barbara, is to experience the pureness of the highly trained vocal instrument. This Thursday, December 3rd, you can hear a sample of their work when Quire performs selections of their upcoming holiday concert at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
The various endeavors of the choir to follow include their traditional Holiday concert, Mysteries of Christmas, December 19th and 20th at St. Anthony's Chapel at the Garden Street Academy. Mysteries of Christmas includes traditional carols and festive holiday songs along with the works of Vaughn Williams, John Rutter, and Gustav Holst. The choir treats listeners to a program of music designed to bring the notes of joy out in the season.
Quire of Voyces is also a new recipient of the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission Grant, a grant that will prove essential in the near future as the group prepares for international competition. Quire of Voyces will be heading overseas this summer, having accepted an invitation to participate in the 70th annual Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in North Wales. This prominent, week-long competition and performance event brings thousands of singers, dancers, and musicians from all over the world to their stages for musical trials and contests, as well as evenings of concerts and presentations.
To experience a unique performance that is deeply rooted in the musical traditions of the culture of Christmas, Quire of Voyces offers a concert true to the uplifting spirit of yuletide gaiety. Take a gander at their sneak peek this First Thursday, December 3rd, at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and enjoy their full concert, Mysteries of Christmas, December 19th and 20th.
A bout Quire of Voyces
Celebrating our 22nd year, the Quire of Voyces, directed by Nathan Kreitzer, is a non-profit organization affiliated with Santa Barbara City College. Our mission is to perform and share the finest in Renaissance and contemporary a cappella music with our wonderful community.
Quire of Voyces Presents:
Mysteries of Christmas
Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 7:00pm
Sunday, December 20, 2015 at 3:00pm
St. Anthony's Chapel at the Garden Street Academy, 2300 Garden Street, Santa Barbara CA.
$20 General Admission, $15 Students/Seniors
Tickets available at the door and at the Garvin Theater Box Office 805 965 5935
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