01/

A Festive Gloria

Jay Althouse (ASCAP)

Kicking off our concert with a catchy and rhythmic beat, A Festive Gloria by Jay Althouse will be sure to sweep you into its charismatic melody.

02/

Exsultate Justi

Ludovico da Viadana

Followed up by  Ludovico da Viadana’s interpretation of Psalms 33, the exhilarating cadences of  Exultate Justi-”Rejoice, ye Just”- beckon you to revel in the Lord’s praises as you take in the magnificence of his being through the unwavering song’s lyrics.

03/

Weep, O Mine Eyes

John Bennet

The haunting melodies of John Bennet’s Renaissance madrigal “Weep, O Mine Eyes” shall gently soothe and disturb the waters of one’s soul as it quietly grieves for the lost, silently inviting the audience to mourn with it-or perhaps, to ponder the question of life’s fragility. 

04/

As Torrents in Summer

Edward Elgar, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

But of course, one cannot wash away grievances with tears- and even in times of darkness, we must remain reverent. Adapted by Edward Elgar from Longfellow’s poem The Saga of King Olaf, the flowing yet powerful tunes of  “As Torrents In Summer” remind us that despite everything, the waters of life shall rush down even in times of drought and despair.

05/

The Moon Represents My Heart 月亮代表我的心

Sun Yi, Weng Ching-Hsi, arr. Liong Kit Yeng

God’s love for us is everlasting and tender, but what about the question of romantic love between his earthly creations? The culmination of efforts by Sun Yi, Weng Ching-Hsi, and Liong Kit Yeng, 月亮代表我的心, the moon represents my heart, aims to capture the deep and heartfelt affection between two lovers, with the analogy of the Moon to represent one’s loyal and passionate heart.

06/

Friendship Forever 细水长流

Liang Wenfu, arr. Wen Sim

On the topic of love, what about the love between friends-philia? Surely, most of us must have had treasured, nostalgic experiences with friends that they still cherish till today. Liang Wenfu’s song 细水长流, translating to “Friendship Forever”,  (arranged by Wen Sim) encapsulates this feeling of longing and genuine friendship, illustrating the unbreakable bonds between best friends that can stand even the tests of time.

07/

木の影 (Ki No Kage)

岸田衿子, 津田元

Reflection is important in all things-from love, to religions, to hopes-and sometimes, we have to retreat from the busy world above and into the waiting embrace of nature- 木の影, the shadow of the tree. Composed by Yuko Kishida and Hajime Tsuda, this song is a reflective, stirring piece, that requests us to draw inspiration from the natural realm around us-and serves to remind us that no matter how we age and how things change, nature will always be there to guide us to wherever we need to go.

08/

Ubi Caritas

Audrey Snyder

Of course, we must also remember that besides nature’s constant presence, there are other ways to improve upon ourselves, such as with charity. “ Ubi caritas et amor, Deus Ibi Est”- Or simply, Ubi Caritas. Composed by Audrey Snyder, this uplifting, steadfast song reminds us that whenever charity and love are present, God is with us.

09/

What is that I hear?

Diana Soh

It is said that God is with us through all things, and this extends to journeys beyond our birthplaces. However, the aching longing for our homes can sometimes grip at us in moments of sorrow and solitude. Diana Soh has tenderly woven the threads of these complex emotions into our next song: "What is that I Hear?” This song reflects it’s subject’s abject loneliness abroad, as they promise to sing to their loved ones..no matter where they go.

10/

Wanting Memories

Ysaye M. Barnwell

The memory of home is often what leaves us nostalgic for better, simpler times-especially when a person who we attributed this sensation to has departed. It leaves us…”Wanting Memories.” (It’s the title of our next piece, too!) The rhythmic yet contemplative murmurs of Ysaye M Barnwell’s interlocking melodies both mourn and celebrate the cherished past that this song’s subject shared with someone who has left them, as the flames of hope flicker to life once again.

11/

Where the Light Begins

jan Richardson, Susan Labarr

On the topic of hope, this guiding light of humanity is also the focus of the following song: “Where the Light Begins.” Originally a poem penned by Jan Richardson and lightened by the melodies of Susan Labarr, this song seeks to remind us that our light is not one at the end of the tunnel-but one within us. We are where our light begins.

12/

L'important C'est La Rose

Gilbert Becaud, arr. Eudecine Palaruan

What follows are the charming tunes of Gilbert Becaud’s “L’important C’est La Rose.” Arranged by Eudecine Palaruan, this song’s title can be translated to “The Important Thing Is the Rose.” It counsels us to shake off any broken relationships and to take after the Rose-for there will always be one who is meant to love us in this world.

13/

Ta Na Solbici

Samo Vohk

Ending off the night with an energetic and sprightly piece, Ta Na Solbici tells the tale of a wedding so cheerful that the guests’ footsteps echo off of Mount Canin. This incredible composition, written by Samo Vosk, is enhanced further with body percussion and traditional Resian elements-wrapping up your evening with a auditory experience you will surely never forget.