This Wednesday, December 18, at 9:00 p.m., “A Local Touch—Music with a Virginia Connection” brings you a festive program filled with the spirit of the holidays and deep ties to Virginia’s musical traditions. From Norfolk to Richmond and beyond, enjoy an evening of seasonal music that highlights both local talent and global classics.
The centerpiece of this week’s program is the 2024 “Advent Lessons and Carols” from Christ & St. Luke’s in Norfolk. Under the direction of Kevin Kwan, with Marjorie Setnicky as Associate Organist, this beautiful service was recorded on Sunday, December 1, and captures the timeless magic of Advent through scripture and song.
Dorothy Papadakos brings her unique flair to the program with “Christmas Traveler,” performed by the New York Chamber Sinfonia under Glen Cortese and the Johnson Flucker Choir. A native of North Carolina, Papadakos offers a rich and imaginative journey through Christmas traditions, recorded in the stunning setting of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.
Then, Winchester Musica Viva will enchant our listeners with “a capella” Christmas gems, including Andrzej Hakenberger’s “Hodie Christus Natus Est,” the Basque traditional “Gabriel’s Message,” and Alden Ashforth’s “O Magnum Mysterium.”
The Choir of St. Stephen’s Church in Richmond continues the holiday spirit with selections from their recording “With Thanks and Praise,” led by Neal Campbell on organ.
To close the program, we travel to Venezuela to enjoy the Venezuelan Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Shenandoah University Professor Jan Wagner, performing Evencio Castellanos’ Suite Avileña, a vibrant work infused with Latin American Christmas traditions. This suite features the “cuatro” (a four-stringed version of the European classical guitar) and “maracas,” two of the most typical Venezuelan folk instruments.
Experience the joy and wonder of the season through these extraordinary performances, each with its own Virginia connection. Tune in Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. on WHRO-FM 90.3, or stream online, for a holiday celebration to remember!
