Archive for December, 2010

The locally-based, a capella vocal ensemble has been a regular part of seasonable celebrations in western Maine for over 25 years;  presenting local audiences with its unique and unusual style of early American and European music.  After missing last year’s holiday season, Northfield is back with a new, and slightly expanded, lineup.  They will be sharing their music for the season at concerts on the third weekend of December in Farmington, Belgrade, and Rangeley.

 Formerly an intimate ensemble of eight voices, Northfield has always performed its music without instrumental accompaniment – in the ancient and beautiful style called a capella (latin for ‘in the chapel’).  They have recruited some additional voices in the last year, adding three new voices to the group.  The new members, in addition to bringing new energy and enthusiasm, have added a new depth of sound to the group – without losing the intimacy of small-group singing.  Northfield’s performance style remains true to it’s traditions:  providing modern audiences with an entertaining and accessible look into the musical styles of our ancestors.   Their programs, including this season’s, also mix varying styles and sounds designed to be enjoyable to anyone who appreciates music made by the human voice.

 This year’s program is entitled “Night and Day”.  The theme is a reflection on the fact that our beloved winder holidays happen at a very dark time of the year.  Long and dark nights encourage introspection and melancholy, which Northfield explores in John Wilbye’s Draw On, Sweet Night, an English madrigal about love’s longing.  The mystery of the Savior’s birth – also in the dark of night – is also celebrated with songs, both familiar and unusual, as it has been for centuries.  Night, of course, leads to dawn; and winter to spring.  Northfield’s celebrations of the season include ancient and traditional songs, as well as compositions of the great masters of the European renaissance, including Monteverde, Byrd, and Gabrieli.  Light-hearted, modern adaptations for the season – supplied by Garrison Keillor and Peter Schikele – are guaranteed to provide some laughs.

Northfield’s 2010 Christmas Concerts will be presented at the following times and locations…

Friday, December 17 at 7:00, Belgrade Union Church, Rte 27, Belgrade Lakes; donation.

Saturday, December 18 at 7:30 PM, Nordica Auditorium, University of Maine at Farmington, sponsored by AIWM; donation

Sunday, December 19 at 4:00 PM, Church of the Good Shepherd, Main Street, Rangeley, sponsored by Rangeley Friends of the Arts; admission $10 available at the door