The Halalisa Singers Present STARS OF WONDER, Today

World music choral ensemble The Halalisa Singers present Stars of Wonder, a concert of contemporary choral classics for the holiday season, on Saturday, December 3, 8 pm, at First Parish Church, 7 Harrington Road, Lexington and Sunday December 4, 3 pm at First Parish Church, 327 Concord Road, Sudbury. The ensemble is led by Artistic Director Mary Cunningham and accompanied by Trevor Berens, piano.

Stars of Wonder explores holiday music from the vantage point of starlight; the metaphor for a meaningful tradition that triggers feelings of warmth, comfort and delight. Centered around all December holiday celebrations, the repertoire follows inspiration of light and the stars, from the perspective of Jesus' birth, the candles of Hannukah, the pagan fires of Winter Solstice, and thoughtful walks in the still winter air under the moon and stars. The mostly 21st century contemporary collection of seasonal music is sung in Latin, Spanish, Yiddish, Romanian and English. A sense of wonder and appreciation for the mysterious harmony of the natural world is apparent in the solace of the program, including Ola Gjeilo's "Northern Lights", Eric Whitacre's " Glow", Erik Esenvalds' "Stars", Randall Thompson's " Choose Something Like a Star", Morton Lauridsen's "Sure on This Shining Night, and the world premiere of "Winter Stars" by Composer and Pianist Trevor Berens, Halalisa Singers' own accompanist, with text by American poet Sara Teasdale. Three songs from the African American tradition sparkle, including "Look-A That Star", "Shine on Me" by Rollo Dilworth, and Andre Thomas' "Rise Up Shepherd, and Follow".

The Halalisa Singers are dedicated to the performance of music across all cultures and nationalities. Halalisa is a Zulu word for "celebration," and in that spirit, the Halalisa repertoire includes African, Latin, American Spiritual, Gospel, Jewish, Folk, and Jazz music. A talented group of thirty men and women, the Halalisa Singers are inspired by the belief that music is a universal language with the power to uplift and unite us all. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Mary Cunningham, this Lexington-based vocal ensemble is now in its 23rd year offering unique performances in the Boston area.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and senior citizens online at www.brownpapertickets.com or at the door. For more information about Halalisa Singers, visit www.halalisa.org, or follow us on Facebook.

About Halalisa Singers

Lexington-based Halalisa Singers is in its 23rd year, dedicated to the performance of music across all cultures and nationalities, including African, Latin, American Spiritual, Gospel, Jewish, Folk, and Jazz music. A talented group of thirty men and women, the Halalisa Singers are inspired by the belief that music is a universal language with the power to uplift and unite us all. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Mary Cunningham, The Halalisa Singers have been featured performers at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Revels' RiverSing, Winchester Multicultural Network, Lexington Symphony, Refugee Immigration Ministry's Annual International Concert, Arlington's Regent Theater Multicultural Concert, the Belmont International Film Festival and the ACDA's "Urban Initiatives" Multicultural Concert. For more information about Halalisa Singers email info@halalisa.org, visit www.halalisa.org, or follow us on Facebook.

Photo: The Halalisa Singers, courtesy image