Cantata Singers

 Friends, Family and Music Lovers,

A Hallelujah, an Alleluia, Two Lullabies, and a work of a capella tintinnabulations are all part of the musical feast in today’s alternately spirited, contemplative, and outright joyful program. During the successful surgery and convalescence of our stellar music director, Will Wickham, our preparations – under the skillful guidance of assistant director, Mark Cox - have been, as always, filled with careful study, long rehearsal hours and a whole lot of laughter and fun. We love rehearsing and presenting such wonderful music with the hope only that you find matching pleasure in our efforts.

Please enjoy this first concert of the 2025/2026 season and remember that it is only through your generous support that concerts such as this are possible. May you and your loved ones share joy and contentment this holiday season and as we rest and renew may this tattered world move even incrementally closer to the peace and harmony we all so desire.

With sincere thanks to our loyal audience,

Jeff DeMeritt, Cantata Singers President

The Cantata Singers offer our heartfelt thanks to Jim Hare, Dr. Holly Strickland, and all the people of New Beginnings United Methodist Church. Thanks also to Gary Tucker, First Presbyterian Church of Elmira, St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church of Horseheads, Corning Community College, Nan Woodworth, Doug Davis, and Tony Papandrea.

Cantata Singers programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional funding in support of this project provided by The Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, The Arts Council of the Southern Finger Lakes, and by our audiences and other community partners.

The Cantata Singers Are:
Soprano: Ruth Bruning, Andi Dietrich, Jessica Fierro, Robin Fitzgerald, Amy Lange, Joy McFarland, Betty McKamey, Susan Nagle, Connie O’Herron, Joy Perry, Desiree Rogers, Wendy Winnett, Nan Woodworth
Alto: Christine Barulich, Lou Bleiler, Emily Campbell, Molly Cusick, Sally Davis, Judy Hambruch, Gail Lewis, Frances McLaren, Nancy Pangia, Jean Papandrea, Irene Peterson, Mimi Petrillose, Nancy Ruda, Betsy Sentigar, Annette Stevens, Robin Stork, Kathy Thorne
Tenor: Bill Brodginski, Mary Ann Marks, Pat Peters, Michael Saxton, Jake Schultze, Gary Tucker, Lydia Wickham, Barry Winters
Bass: Tony Ciccariello*, Jim Cook, Mark Cox, Jeff DeMeritt, Stephen Nagle, Joe Ponzi, David Rosplock, Ron Tunison
Accompanist: Frances McLaren
Music Director: Will Wickham
Assistant Musical Director: Mark Cox
*Tony is leaving the area soon after this performance. He will be missed. we wish him well!

Assisting With Today’s Program Are:

Keyboards: Grace Cox, Bass: Nic Mathisen, Drum Kit: Simon Bjarning, Percussion: Gage Redinger & Max Kniola, Cello: Christine Lowe-Diemecke, Tenor Sax: Lilian Zheng, Trumpet: Rich Preston & Larry Burroughs, Trombone: Craig Harrigan
Recording/Sound Engineering: Jordan Yorio

Today’s Program
(presented without intermission)

Come, Sing for Joy!  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  Jeffrey Cobb
vocal solo Andi Dietrich

Children, Go Where I Send Thee   🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  arr. Kevin Phillip Johnson
rap solo Ramsey Fulcher, vocal solo Andi Dietrich

A Christmas Lullaby 🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  Dan Forrest, lyrics Charles Anthony Sylvestry
the choir is led by Mark Cox

Christmas Lullaby  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  H Leslie Adams

Seven Magnificat Antiphons   🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  Arvo Pärt

1. O Weisheit
4. O Schlüssel Davids
5. O Morgenstern
7. O Immanuel

Silent Night   🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  arr. Will Wickham

Christ Came to Bethlehem  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  Victor C. Johnson
cello Christine Lowe-Diemecke. the choir is led by Mark Cox

Alleluia  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  Elaine Hagenberg

Hallelujah Chorus  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  G. F. Handel
arr. M. Warren, M. O. Jackson, M. Kibble & T. Chinn
vocal solo - Desiree Rogers

Sleigh Ride   🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  🎄  Leroy Anderson, words by M Parish

Happy Holidays, friends! We are thrilled to welcome you to our favorite time of the year. Even though the world is more “bah humbug” these days, don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Our mission today is simple: to fill this space and your hearts with enough energy, fun, and genuine warmth to power your sleigh all the way through New Year’s Day.

We are not easing into this concert; we are launching with an invigorating burst of pure joy! The fast-paced, infectious rhythm of Jeffrey Cobb’s Come, Sing For Joy will get your heart beating in the best Christmas paced rhythm!

Come, let us sing for joy, to the Lord!
Come, let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
For the Lord is great! The great King above all gods!

Come, let us sing for joy, to the Lord!
Come, let us bow before the Lord!
Come, let us kneel before the Lord God our Maker.
For the Lord is great! The great King above all gods!

Come, let us sing for joy, to the Lord!
Let us come before Him with thanksgiving!
Let us praise our God with music and song!
For the Lord is great! The great King above all gods!

   Come, let us sing for joy, to the Lord!
   Come, let us praise with music and song!

Come, let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
For the Lord is great! The great King above all gods!

   Come, let us sing for joy, to the Lord!
   Come, let us bow before the Lord! Hallelujah! Amen!

Come, let us kneel before the Lord God our Maker.

   For the Lord is great! The great King above all gods!
   Come, let us sing for joy, to the Lord!
   Come, shout aloud to the Lord!

Let us come before Him with thanksgiving!
Let us praise our God with music and song!

   Come, sing for joy to the Lord!
   Come, shout aloud to the Lord! Hallelujah!
   Come, let us sing for joy, to the Lord!

Children, Go Where I Send Thee was first made popular by Willie T. Johnson and the Golden Gate Quartet in the 1930’s. This arrangement, by Willie’s son, Kevin Phillip Johnson, adds a modern twist with a rap verse created by Ayana Davis.

Children go where I send thee! How shall I send thee?
I gonna send thee one by one.
One for the little bitty baby
wrapped in a swaddlin’ clothin’
layed down in a manger that’s

BORN! BORN! BORN! Born in Bethlehem.

Children go where I send thee! How shall I send thee?
I gonna send thee two by two.
two for Paul and Silas,
one for the little bitty baby
wrapped in a swaddlin’ clothin’
layed down in a manger that’s

BORN! BORN! BORN! Born in Bethlehem.

Children go where I send thee! How shall I send thee?
I gonna send thee ten by ten,
ten for the ten commandments!
Nine for the nine that dressed so fine,
eight for the eight that stood at the gate,
seven for the seven that went up to heaven,
six for the six that never got fixed,
five for the gospel preachers,
four for the four that stood at the door,
three for the Hebrew chillen’
two for Paul and Silas,
one for the little bitty baby
wrapped in a swaddlin’ clothin’
layed down in a manger that’s

BORN! BORN! BORN! Born in Bethlehem.

RAP: Story that I’m writin’ seed to sow is never endin, ever
lastin’ to everlasting and you know it’s on to heaven,
you get the God message in the aim is a lesson and
quit the instant messin and the messages are festerin’
Softening our hearts and it’s reachin’ all the people.
We do this in the streets and underneath the steeple.

Rather talk the talk but the young ones walk the walk.
They are crawlin’ in the dark but my voice it is the torch.
Drink the milk, eat the meat, fallin’ at the Savior’s feet.
The sinner take a peek everybody take a peek at the
heart of the matter he’s the King of the Kings.
Married to the church I got the Lord of the rings.

Gold streets where I’m dancin’, Father got mansions
beauty in God imagine. What do you fathom?
You heard this story to grow. Hey! so it’s time to go! Hey!
Hey! You heard this story to grow.
Love and light so it’s time to go!
Hey! You heard this story to grow.
Love and light so it’s time to go!

SUNG: I gonna send thee ten by ten,
ten for the ten commandments!
Nine for the nine that dressed so fine,
eight for the eight that stood at the gate,
seven for the seven that went up to heaven,
six for the six that never got fixed, said he never got fixed!
Five for the gospel preachers,
four for the four that stood at the door,
three for the Hebrew chillen’
two for Paul and Silas,
one for the little bitty baby
wrapped all up in swaddlin’ clothes!
Layed down in a manger that’s

BORN! BORN! BORN! Born in Bethlehem.

SOLO Born to us, a child is born and the government
will be on his shoulders. And they will call Him;
Wonderful Counselor! Almighty God! Everlasting Father!
Children go where I send thee. How shall I send thee?

A Christmas Lullaby was first a different choral work entirely. Written for the composer’s daughter, Dan Forrest’s Basque Lullaby was inspired by a children’s rhyme Dan found online. With many choirs expressing the desire to use the gently flowing melody and lush harmonies for Christmas celebrations, Dan reached out to Charles Anthony Silvestri for the beautiful Christmas text we sing for you today.

Lullaby, Lullaby,
Rest now my darling,
Close your eyes, dreaming is nigh.
Lullaby, Lullaby,
Angel voices softly singing
Carols for their newborn King.
Lullaby, Lullaby,
Whisper and sigh,
Lullaby, Lullaby, Lullaby.

Lullaby, Lullaby,
Silently waiting,
All creation greets the Child;
Lullaby, Lullaby,
Holy Child, fulfill our longing,
Our foretold salvation bring.
Lullaby, Lullaby,
Whisper and sigh,
Lullaby, Lullaby, Lullaby.

Primarily known for his contribution to African-American Art Song literature, H. Leslie Adams wrote a text that paints a beautiful, serene image of the Nativity as an Art Song in 1983 that he subsequently set for four-part choir. Beginning as a quiet lullaby in honor of the sleeping Christ Child, the music swells to triumphant praise and excitement as the Magi enter the story, recognizing the eventual significance of the Christ Child.

Sleep, baby, sleep. Sleep, baby, sleep.
Mary and Joseph watch as you slumber.
Sleep, baby, sleep.

Rest your weary head on your tiny bed.
Angels guard you, shepherds surround you;
rest your weary head.

The Wise Men travel from afar,
Bringing gifts and, led by a star,
journey to the manger low to
find the Child the whole world will know.

“Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Praises to the newborn King!”

So, sleep, baby, sleep. Sleep, you baby, sleep.
Little Lord Jesus, sleep as we pray and
sing this lullaby.

Arvo Pärt, an Estonian composer, pioneered the contemplative tintinnabuli style after turning from modernism in the 1970s. Exiled during Soviet rule, he later gained global acclaim for his profound minimalism and transformative influence on choral and instrumental music. His Sieben Magnificat-Antiphonen, (Seven Magnificat Antiphons) represent a mature, liturgically grounded, and textually expressive use of the style. Today, we present four that provide an Advent journey from contemplative wisdom (O Weisheit), to authoritative intervention (O Schlüssel Davids), to radiant hope (O Morgenstern), and finally to joyful, affirmed presence (O Immanuel).

1. O Weisheit, hervorgegangen aus dem Munde des Höchsten, die Welt umspannst du von einem Ende zum andern, in Kraft und Milde ordnest du alles: O komm und offenbare uns den Weg der Weisheit und der Einsicht.
1. O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth of the Almighty, you encompass the world from one end to the other, with power and moderation you ordain all things: O come and show us the way of wisdom and of understanding. O Wisdom.

4. O Schlüssel Davids, Zepter des Hauses Israel, du öffnest, und niemand kann schließen, du schließt und keine Macht vermag zu öffnen: O komm und öffne den Kerker der Finsternis und die Fessel des Todes.
4. O key of David, sceptre of the house of Israel, you open something, no one can close it, you close something and no might will open it: O come and open the prison of darkness and the chain of death.

5. O Morgenstern, Glanz des unversehrten Lichtes, der Gerechtigkeit/ strahlende Sonne: O komm und erleuchte, die da sitzen in Finsternis und im Schatten des Todes.
5. O Morning Star, gleam of immutable light: shining sun of righteousness: O come and lighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

7. O Immanuel, unser König und Lehrer, du Hoffnung und Heiland der Völker: O komm, eile und schaffe uns Hilfe, du unser Herr und unser Gott.
7. O Emmanuel, our King and teacher, you hope and saviour of the people: O come, hurry and bring us help, you our lord and our God.

A nonfunctional organ at St. Nicholas Church in Obendorf, Austria on Christmas Eve in 1818 was the unlikely beginning of Silent Night. One of the best known and loved carols of all time, the text, originally a poem written by Joseph Mohr, the parish priest in 1816, was set to a melody that could be accompanied on guitar by Franz Xaver Gruber, the parish organist. The rest, as they say, is history.

1. Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child!
Holy Infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

2. Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake, at the sight,
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing “Alleluia!”
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born."

3. Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

4. Silent night, holy night,
Wondrous star, lend thy light;
With the angels let us sing,
Alleluia to our King;
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born.

Victor C Johnson’s lyrical setting of the Wind through the olive trees text, Christ Came To Bethlehem, focuses on the peaceful, humble nature of the birth of Christ. With cello obligato adding warmth and depth to this lullaby-like setting, this beautiful music evokes the divine love that surrounded the Nativity all those years ago.

Winds through the olive trees softly did blow
‘round little Bethlehem long, long ago.

Sheep on the hillside lay, whiter than snow
Shepherds were watching them, long, long ago.

Then from the happy sky, angels bent low,
singing their songs of joy, long, long ago.

For in a manger bed, cradled we know,
Christ came to Bethlehem, long, long ago.

Composer Elaine Hagenberg says, “This Alleluia originates from a beautiful text by St. Augustine. One evening in summer, I gathered this poem and a manuscript notebook, then visited our local rose gardens at dusk to sketch all the ways I could sing the word "Alleluia." A simple A B A form seemed to work, with the Alleluias creating the A sections, and the remaining text to create a contrasting B section.

As the sunset filtered through the trees, I envisioned the light and beauty of eternity with expansive lines and lush harmonies propelling the music into exciting key changes and a climactic ending.”

All shall be Amen and Alleluia.
We shall rest and we shall see.
We shall see and we shall know.
We shall know and we shall love.
Behold our end which is no end.

Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah needs no introduction, a statement even more true after our May performance of selections from the famous oratorio. This arrangement, however, will surprise and delight!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Hallelujah!
The kingdom of this world is become
the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ.
And He shall reign forever and ever.
King of kings, forever and ever,
and Lord of lords. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
And he shall reign forever and ever.
King of kings and Lord of lords,
And he shall reign forever and ever.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Long a staple of the Christmas season, Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride was first conceived during a Connecticut heat wave in the summer of 1946 but wasn’t completed until nearly 2 years later. The original instrumental version was premiered by the Boston Pops on May 4th, 1948. Mitchell Parish added lyrics in 1950 and the Andrews Sisters’ recording that same year served as the launchpad that propelled the song to fame.

Let’s go for a sleigh ride!
A wonderful sleigh ride!
Come, hurry along with a song,
in a wintery world to glide!

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling,
Ring ting tingling too.
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you.
Outside the snow is falling
And friends are calling "yoo hoo,"
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you.

Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap,
Let's go, let's look at the show,
We're riding in a wonderland of snow.
Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap,
It's grand, just holding your hand,
We're gliding along with a song
Of a wintry fairy land.

Our cheeks are nice and rosy
And comfy cozy are we,
We're snuggled up together
Like two birds of a feather would be.
Let's take that road before us
And sing a chorus or two,
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you.

There's a birthday party
At the home of Farmer Gray,
It'll be the perfect ending of a perfect day,
We'll be singing the songs
We love to sing without a single stop,
At the fireplace while we watch
The chestnuts pop, Pop! Pop! Pop!

There's a happy feeling
Nothing in this world can buy,
When they pass around the coffee
and the pumpkin pie,
It'll nearly be like a picture print
by Currier and Ives,
These wonderful things are the things
We remember all through our lives!

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling,
Ring ting tingling too,
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you.
Outside the snow is falling
And friends are calling "yoo hoo",
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you.
It's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.

Whether Clement Moore had any sort of connection with music is beyond the scope of these notes, but we will gladly paraphrase his words as we end this joyous celebration of these early days of the Christmas Season:

“As we spring to our cars, in our happiness whistle,
we’ll all fly away like the down of a thistle:

And to you we exclaim, ere we drive out of sight—
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a great night!”

Our great thanks to all who make these performances possible!
(names in italics gave during FLX Gives)

Sponsors - Gregg Learned, Kaye Newbury, The Alfred & Jane Ross Foundation

Benefactors - $250 plus - Lou Bleiler, Ruth Bruning, Anthony Ciccariello, Bob & Barb Chapman, James & Tracey Cook Diane Edwards, Robin Fitzgerald, Joy Perry, Richard Perry

Patrons - $100 - $249 - Susan Bjerke, Bill Brodginski, James Burke, Judy Butterfield, Nancy Campbell, H. John Cumming, Jeff DeMeritt, Katie Daire, Lynn Decher—in memory of Martha Horton, Tom & Vera Dykes, Martha and Dick Evans, John Fannin, Albert & Maryilyn Heidi Gerth, Eleanor Haber, Judy Hambruch, Sherry and Jack Hoare, Hank Jonas, Mary Ann & Ted Marks, Elizabeth McKamey, Susan & Stephen Nagle, Irene Peterson, Margaret Petrillose, Joe & Melody Ponzi, Fran Palumbo, Christina Roosa, Nancy Ruda, Mark & Leslie Sand—in memory of Lou Sand, Patty Schimizzi, Melissa Schroeder, Tricia Schucker & Lindsey Wickham, Jud & Rebecca Spena, Annette Stevens, Betsy Sentigar, Ron Tunison, Lindsay Viana, Anne Welliver-Hartsing, Fred & Lynn Wickham, Lydia Wickham, Chris & Brittany-Beck Wickham, Barry & Jane Winters

Sponsors - $50-$99 - Gary & Bonnie Chollet, Jim Cook, Marie Crossley, Molly Cusick, Helen Czajkowski, Patricia Farwell, Sally & Doug Davis, Dennis Kingsley, Keith Kraska, Daniel LaBar, Eileen Leslie, Gail Lewis, Kelly Lewis, Jan Liberatore, Margaret Lowman, Joy McFarland, Mila Meier, Jack Merrill, Connie O’Herron, Shari Paige & Richard Rich, Jean Papandrea, Marianna Raho, David Rosplock, Rev. Betsy Sentigar,  Judith Edson Sheasley, Kathleen Shimeta & Dan Holland, Kristen Sutherland, Karen Updegraff, Meg Wickham, Wendy Winnett, Nan Woodworth

Donors - $25 - $49 - Melody Chilson, Jamie Cooney, Nancy Cooper, Elizabeth Cowles, Saundra Curry, Edward Dougherty, James & Alicia Hare, Kim Hoare, Laurie Kraska, Laura Marley, Suzanne Mettler—in memory of Harry Hillman, Pat Peters, Joyce Rumsey, Marc & Lisa Rustici, Patricia Stadelmaier, B.C. Talbot, Cynthia Terry, Nancy Pangia, Eric Vavrasek, Jane Winters, Kim Wolf

Other - Jan Aiello, Barbara Allen, Bruce Berman, Judy Born, Amy Chervinsky, Karen Dusek, Jessica Fierro, Elizabeth Gawinski, Robert Gilman, Margaret Matthews, Rachel Morgan, Susan Pawlak, Bonnie Root, Kim Quinn, Karen Rochester, Andrew Tunison, Cali &Cera Waite, Amanda Warren, Jaqueline Winston