2016 Christmas Concert Review

On December 18^th, 2016, Delbarton School held its annual Christmas Concert.

Unlike other concerts throughout the school year, the Christmas Concert occurs during the time when many alumni are home for the holidays. As a result, the  Delbarton Christmas Concert nearly always sells out.

Prior to the concert, the Brass Ensemble, led by Mr. Devine, played several Christmas carols in the Fine Arts Center lobby to warm and welcome the crowd.  In addition, Arma Lucis, a liturgical choral group led by church organist, Mr. Hatcher, performed “Alleluia” in plainsong.

Schola Cantorum, lead by Mr. Blazier and accompanied by Mr. Hatcher, began the concert with a cover of “Veni, Venu Emmanuel” (arr. John Englert). Their setlist also included the Christmas classics “Silent Night” (arr. Mark Hayes) and “Do You Hear What I Hear?” (arr. Harry Simeone).

Then, the Woodwind Ensemble, directed by Mr. DiEgidio, took the stage. They skillfully performed “Pat-a-Pan” (arr. David Marlatt) and “Frosty the Snowman” (arr. Roger Holmes).

Next up was the Abbey Orchestra, which was led by Mrs. Davis. Easily the largest group of instrumentalists, the group wowed the audience with “The Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah” by G.F. Handel (arr. Frost). Moreover, they played “Christmas Concerto, Op. 6, No. 8” by Archangelo Corelli, “Fantasy on Coventry Carol” (arr. Jerry Brubaker), and “The Christmas Song” by Torme & Wells (arr. Bob Lowden).

Following the rich sound of the Abbey Orchestra was The Benedictones, who were directed by John Paciga ’18. They provided a merry cover of “Man With the Bag” (arr. Deke Sharon).

Afterwards, the Wind Ensemble, led by Mr. Devine, rocked out on the song “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson. Special shout-out to Norman Chen-Liaw ’17 on the clapper.

To conclude the night, all instrumental groups joined the together on the number “Angels From the Realms of Glory” (arr. Dan Forrest). Then, the audience joined the instrumentalists in singing “O Come All Ye Faithful” (arr. D. Wilcocks) and “Hark, The Herald Angels Sing” (arr D. Wilcocks).

Overall, the night was a complete success with merriment and fun had by all.