[Classifieds] [classifieds] Solstice Singers presents “Joyful’st Feast”

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From: "msulanowska" <msulanowska at whoi.edu> 


Event: Solstice Singers presents “Joyful’st Feast” 

Organization: Solstice Singers 

Dates/times: Saturday, December 17 at 4:00 PM and Sunday, December 18 at 4:00 PM 

Brief Description: A pageantry of music, poetry, drama, and dance in the style of the Renaissance 

Location: Community Hall, 68 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA. Free 3-hour street parking. 

Admission: Adults $20 at the door/$17 advance; $12 students; $1 children under age 12 

Tickets from: Eight Cousins Books in Falmouth, Market Street Bookshop in Mashpee and web site below 

More information: www.solsticesingers.org , get-info at solsticesingers.org , 774-392-0780 



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Woods Hole, MA, November 29, 2016 - The Solstice Singers and guest artists will present “Joyful’st Feast” – a pageantry of songs and carols, instrumental music, poetry, drama and dance in the style of Medieval to Renaissance eras. The performances will take place on Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18 in Woods Hole - both at 4:00 PM. 

Performed in colorful, period costumes, the program is woven around a 16 th century poem by George Wither called “So, Now is Come our Joyful’st Feast” that describes Christmas celebrations of old, from wassailing around the town to ringing the rooftops with merriment. 

Some pieces are sung a cappella, such as “Ay Luna,” a soulful piece sung in Spanish paying homage to the brightly shining solstice moon. Others are accompanied by Ensemble Passacaglia, such as the traditional “Boar’s Head Carol” during which children from Les Enfants du Soleil join in to celebrate the “joyful’st feast.” Audiences will hear other familiar songs and carols and will have an opportunity to join in on some of the singing. 

In addition to accompanying the singers, Passacaglia will perform instrumental music by Gibbons, Machaut, Ortiz, and Praetorius. Members are Jan Elliott of Woods Hole on recorder and krummhorn, Lisa Esperson of Falmouth on percussion, Tom Hanna of Sandwich on lute, and Molly Johnston of Falmouth on viola da gamba. 

A feature of this year’s show is the mummers play “The Battle of Bannockburn” which depicts a famous historical battle that gained Scotland’s independence from England. Written and directed by Wendell Bishop, one of the singers, the jovial play incorporates a traditional sword dance from Yorkshire. The dance, performed by Vineyard Swordfish and led by Jan Elliott, climaxes with the making and drawing of the sword "lock" which is instrumental in dispatching the hero, Robert the Bruce. He must then face a dreadful reincarnation and perhaps an even more frightening vision of the future. Accompanying the dancers is the Vineyard Swordfish band led by Ron Geering of Woods Hole on concertina. 

“The promise of longer days, shorter nights, and rebirth is at the heart of eagerly anticipating the Winter Solstice,” advises Lore Loftfield De Bower, the show’s artistic director. “We invite the Cape Cod community to celebrate its arrival through the enjoyment of vibrant music, poetry and dance.” 

Both shows on December 17 and 18 are at 4:00 PM in the Community Hall located at 68 Water Street in Woods Hole followed by a reception each day. The hall is accessible to people with disabilities. Free 3-hour street parking will be in effect in Woods Hole. Admission is $20 for adults ($17 when purchased in advance), $12 for students, and $1 for children under 12. Advance tickets are available at Eight Cousins Books on Main Street in Falmouth and at Market Street Bookshop located in Mashpee Commons. Tickets are also available online. For more information, visit www.solsticesingers.org . 

Formed in 1992 under the guidance of the late Patricia C. Brown, the Solstice Singers, ranging from 10 to 15 singers, has performed under the direction of Lore Loftfield De Bower of Woods Hole since 2000. The group’s primary mission is to provide community enrichment by performing music in the style of the Renaissance. The singers, many of whom have been with the group since its inception, come from Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts. 

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