Join Raymond Jones this Saturday evening at 8 p.m. for three hours of new classical music releases, filled with festive cheer and holiday spirit, exclusively on WHRO-FM. This week’s program celebrates the magic of the Christmas season, featuring timeless carols and classical masterpieces.
The evening begins with a delightful selection from “Rutter: Brass at Christmas,” a newly released album on the Naxos label. The Black Dyke Band, joined by the Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus, brings a vibrant energy to John Rutter’s joyful “O Clap Your Hands,” along with other Christmas favorites like “Carol of the Magi,” “Rejoice and Be Merry,” and “The Star Carol.” These brass and choral arrangements perfectly capture the festive atmosphere, making them a perfect start to the holiday season.
Next, experience the grandeur of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, performed by the Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists, under the direction of Sir John Eliot Gardiner. This Baroque masterpiece, recorded live in London in December 2022, is a must-hear during the Christmas season. The combination of the Monteverdi Choir’s vocal brilliance and the historically informed approach of the English Baroque Soloists ensures a performance full of technical precision, emotion, and authenticity.
Sir Andrew Davis leads the BBC Symphony and Chorus in “The Hymn of Jesus” by Gustav Holst, a powerful and spiritual work that balances solemnity with radiant moments of beauty. This interpretation reveals the monumental scale and intimate emotional depth of Holst’s composition, as Davis brings out the profound symbolism within the piece.
To close out the evening, Raymond presents “Prayer” by Ukrainian composer Vasyl Barvinsky and performed by the renowned Vivere String Quartet. This deeply moving work captures the heart of Ukrainian classical music, blending spirituality, lyricism, and emotion into a poignant musical tribute.
Tune in for this heartwarming and stirring program on “This Just In” at 8:00 p.m. on WHRO-FM 90.3 or listen online through the WHRO Media Player. It’s a perfect way to kick off the Christmas season with the best of new classical releases.
