Christmas by the Bay

Holiday Greetings!

“San Francisco is a city that celebrates life with enthusiasm and abandon, and Christmas in San Francisco is spirited and festive. Skyscrapers are trimmed in countless white lights, creating a unique December skyline; the wharf, the squares, parks, piers, plazas, and malls are decorated with great variety. During the holiday season, thousands gather in Union Square to sing traditional carols with the San Francisco Symphony Chorus and to light Macy’s gigantic Christmas tree. In mid-December, we perform our annual Christmas concerts in Davies Symphony Hall lavish with trees, garlands and wreaths all twinkling with tiny lights. The stage is set. The holiday atmosphere is intoxicating.” Vance George

trad.-Willcocks: The First Nowell

trad.-Parker/Shaw: Deck the Hall

trad.-Parker/Shaw: O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Mendelssohn: Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Handel: Joy to the World

trad.-Willcocks: O Come All Ye Faithful

trad. French-George/Bateleur: Patapan (Pamela Sebastian, soprano)

Rachmaninoff: Rejoice, O Virgin

Bach: Break forth, O beauteous, heavenly light from Christmas Oratorio

Marenzio: Qual mormorio soave

Brahms: Ave Maria

Pretorius: Psallite

trad. Swedish-George: Nu Ar Det Jul Igen

Susa: The Midnight Clear (commissioned by the San Francisco Symphony)

Costeley: Allon, gay Bergeres

Holst: Lullay My Liking (Micheline Steacy, soprano)

Pretorius: Lo How a Rose

trad. Irish-Warland: Wexford Carol (Steven Rogino, baritone)

trad. French: Carol of Beauty Whitacre: little tree (commissioned by the San Francisco Symphony)

trad. Spanish-Parker/Shaw: Ya Viene la Vieja

Rossini: Toast pour le nouvel an

Ives: A Christmas Carol

Smith-Malucelli: Winter Wonderland

Berlin: White Christmas

trad.-George: We Wish You