Cantus Christmas returns to the RiverCenter

It is a Christmas show William Bullock calls the "perfect way to prepare to receive the true message of the season."

Monday in the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Bullock will conduct Cantus Columbus, a local professional chorus in its 16th annual holiday show, "Cantus Christmas 2015: Message of the Season -- Music of the Masters."

There will be no Jingle Bells or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer performed.

"This is serious classical music," Bullock said.

The concert recounts the Christmas story featuring music by composers such as Gerald Finzi, Paul Manz and Joseph Ebyler.

In the program notes, Bullock describes a piece by Finzi, "In terra pax: A Christmas Scene," as a "nostalgic reflection on the Christ child's birth as seen from the English countryside."

"Composed by the most English of composers, the work recalls the pealing of bells at midnight on a frosty Christmas Eve," Bullock said. "It dramatizes the events related in Luke's gospel from the perspective of a narrative poem by Robert Bridges. In its own way, it transforms an ancient wonder into a living mystery."

A string orchestra, piano, percussion and organ will accompany the singers.

"We like to mix it up," he said. "Last year, we went with a brass quintet and this year a string orchestra."

All members of the chorus are trained singers from Columbus and surrounding areas. Cantus Columbus is supported by grants, contributions, concert sponsors and ticket sales.

Guest soloists will be Matt Cooksey of Nashville, Tenn., and Mary Evelyn Hangley of Long Island, N.Y. Both are experienced opera performers.

Audience members will be invited to sing along on four Christmas carols.

"The audience members love it," Bullock said. "They feel like part of the choir."

IF YOU GO

What: "Cantus Christmas 2015: Message of the Season -- Music of the Masters" the 16th annual Christmas show by Cantus Columbus, a local professional chorus.

When: Monday at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Legacy Hal, Rivercenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway in Columbus.

Cost: $34

Tickets: The RiverCenter box office is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and one hour before the show. Visit www.rivercenter.org.

This story was originally published December 16, 2015 at 9:27 PM with the headline "Cantus Christmas returns to the RiverCenter."