Annual Christmas Cantata
The Christmas Cantata has been a tradition at St. Joseph’s for over 20 years, and it has become an anticipated community Christmas tradition too. It is one night only, and admission is free.
Under the direction of Sharon Smith McNair, the Cantata Choir averages 35 choristers each year. Many of our choristers come from community churches to join St. Joseph’s Choir to make this an event to remember. For many years, a rhythm combo accompanied the singers, but Mrs. McNair has added an orchestra beginning in 2023.
The Christmas Cantata includes traditional Christmas favorites along with hymns and newly composed pieces. Mrs. McNair always weaves in the audience’s favorites, the Temptation’s version of Silent Night and Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah.
The Christmas Cantata is always performed on the Sunday before Christmas (except Christmas Eve) at 4:00 PM. There is only one performance.
Members of the St Joseph’s Choir select the current year’s cantata from five or six choices during their annual choir retreat in July. The Cantata Choir rehearses every Tuesday and Thursday night starting in September until production in December. The attendance is high with most performances gaining standing room only attendance.
CHRISTMAS CANTATA 2024
Sunday, December 22, 2024 at 4:00 PM with desserts and coffee in the parish hall following the cantata. St. Joseph’s Choir is looking for sponsors and patrons to support the Christmas Cantara. Funds raised offset the expenses for music licensing, outside musicians, and printing of the programs.
Make a one-time donation to the Christmas Cantata.
WHAT IS A CANTATA?
The term “cantata,” invented in Italy in the 17th century, refers to music written for voice and instruments. It applies broadly to works for solo voice, multiple soloists, or vocal ensemble, with instrumental accompaniment.
Parts of the Cantata
Aria: A movement for a solo voice (or duet or trio) and instrumental accompaniment.
Recitative: A sung movement meant to resemble speech. Recitatives were more narrative or dramatic than arias, focusing on explaining or preaching a concept to the congregation.
Chorale: A hymn intended to be sung by the entire congregation. These tunes and texts were very familiar to Bach’s congregation in Leipzig. A familiar phrase could automatically recall the rest of the content and add a layer of meaning to the music.
Sponsor the Cantata: The annual Christmas Cantata is free and open to all. The expenses are paid through sponsorships and ad sales. If you would like to support the Cantata, please complete the form below. We thank you!
