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MESTO
Multi-Ethnic Star Orchestra Presents
Special Christmas Concert
Sunday, 12 December 2004
at the United Methodist Church
P
r o g r a m
Longa
Kurdelli Hicazkar: by Sebuh-Azzam
The longa form originated in Turkey and has spread throughout the Middle
East. Written by the Turkish composer Sebuh, this longa is often performed
by `ud and qanun virtuosi in Turkey and the Arab World. Nabil Azzam
has added melodic and rhythmic themes throughout the composition, thus
becoming entitled to add his name to the composer's.
Maribel: by Nabil Azzam
Gao
San Qing (The Green High Mountain): Solo 'Ud by Fahd Shaaban
This composition is one of the most well known pieces of Taiwanese folkloric
repertoire. As in numerous Chinese-Taiwanese numbers, the title of this
piece was inspired by nature. One can easily recognize the musical scale
of the Far East employed in this music. This arrangement is faithful
in its sonority and tone quality characteristic of this style. The piece
features the Middle Eastern Ud, played by Fahd Shaaban in the composition's
style with an introductory Taksim (improvisation) and short solos within
the piece.
Jasmine: Solo Kanun by Lilit Khojayan
Composed by Dr. Nabil Azzam. The fast and complicated passages require
a high degree of instrumental technique. Performing this composition on a kanun will demonstrate
Lilit Khojayan's virtuosity on this instrument.
The San Fernando Male Chorus: Conducted by Shelly Cohen
Opening:
Happy Holidays (Berlin); Deck the Halls; Maoz Tour; Sleigh Ride; Oh Holy Child (Cohen); Jesu, Joy of man's desiring (Bach)
Songs for Kids of All Ages:
Rudolph the red nose Reindeer (Marks); Frosty the snowman (Nelson Rollins); Toyland (Herbert); Santa Claus is coming to town (Coots-Gallespie); We need a little Christmas (Herman)
Al-Fann:
by Muhammad `Abd al-Wahhab.
Arranged by Kareen Roustom and Joseph Chamaa.
Featuring Nabil Azzam, violin
Americana:
by Stephen Foster--arr. Miamon Miller-Bob Applebaum
Americana revisits music that emanates from our 19th century heritage.
Bob Applebaum and Miamon Miller respectively have arranged two Stephen
Foster favorites: "Hard Times Come Again No More" and the
well-known "Beautiful Dreamer" (the last song Foster composed)
in a manner that illustrates their timelessness and musical flexibility.
In the third section, Miamon rearranges and recomposes the folk tune
"Devil's Dream" and a quasi-Arabic version of "Old Joe
Clark" utilizing a theme and variation form.
Ashiq Al-Ruh; Watani Habibi and El-Amh:
by Muhammad `Abd al-Wahhab.
Arranged by Joseph Chamaa and Nabil Azzam
The San Fernando Male Chorus: Conducted by Shelly Cohen
It's the most wonderful time of the year (Wyle-Pola)
Traditional Carols from around the world:
Lully Lullay (English); Pat-A-Pan (French); O Tannenbaum (German); Bells Over Bethlehem (Spanish); O come Oh Ye Faithful (Universal)
A Holiday Sing-A-Long:
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas (Wilson); Let it snow Let it snow (Cahn-Van Heusen); Up on the Housetop
Soprano: performed by Anna-Suzette
Anne-Suzette, in her second performance with MESTO. Anna-Suzette is
a true rising star. We will hear her high and sophisticated vocal capabilities
demonstrated in this song.
The San Fernando Male Chorus: Conducted by Nabil Azzam
Hallelujah
By Handel
