Candlelight concert of early Christmas music

Next up in t he St. Paul’s Artist Series is Hesperus, an ensemble known for performing Renaissance, Baroque and traditional music for the season from England, France, Spain, Italy and America

Hesperus will present “Exulta Filia: A Candlelight Concert” on Friday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. The trio is made up of Tina Chancey, medieval/ traditional f iddles and viola da gamba; Barbara Hollinshead, voice; and Daniel Swenberg, Renaissance lute and Baroque guitar.

“Christmastide is a time of strong feelings, coming as it does near the winter solstice, an occasion of fear, faith and renewal all over the earth. This seasonal program reflects many different perspectives on Christmas, even within t he Christian tradition,” says Chancey, artistic director.

Chancey says the program’s English- language songs from Britain and America include traditional wassails and ballads. Spanish Colonial works express a contemplative view of the Nativity and a calm expectation of salvation.

The program’s selection of French noëls and musettes will evoke the countryside through simple folk tunes set in high relief with creative bass lines and unexpected harmonies. Holborne pavans and galliards, along with lively American f iddle tunes, remind the audience that many cultures celebrate the season with dancing.

“Finally, two Baroque jewels, the centerpieces of our program, present contrasting expressions of faith: Hor ch’è Tempo is a somber anticipation of pain to come, while Exulta Filia is a joyful announcement of present happiness,” Chancey describes.

“The i nstrumental works act as decorations for the festivities, setting off points of interest while attracting attention in their own right. We love the beautiful, miraculous music created over centuries to celebrate this season and hope Chattanooga audiences will as well,” she says.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online and will also be sold at the door on the night of the concert. For more information: www.stpaulschatt.org/concertseason/.

ST. PAUL’S CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Hesperus is comprised of Tina Chancey, Barbara Hollinshead and Daniel Swenberg, from left.