A Midwinter Masque

Solstice Singers presents “A Midwinter Masque,” a pageant of songs, instrumental music, theater and traditional dance presented in the style of the Renaissance. Performed in colorful period costumes, the musical selections include contemplative as well as festive pieces for celebrating the longest night of the year. Solstice Singers will be joined by Ensemble Passacaglia, performing on an array of period instruments, as well as the children’s chorus Les Enfants du Soleil, and several dance groups.

The show opens with the mysterious Abbots Bromley horn dance, one of Britain’s oldest folk traditions. Choral selections include old favorites such as The Boar’s Head Carol and Lord of the Dance, as well as less well-known but delightful pieces from centuries past. A longsword dance and leaping Morris dancers add excitement to the program, along with an original mummers play in which traditional storytelling addresses one of today’s most pressing conundrums. 

Ensemble Passacaglia will perform several instrumental pieces on authentic early instruments including winds, strings, and percussion. Passacaglia’s repertoire centers on medieval and Renaissance music from European traditions with occasional forays into music of other lands.  In addition to instrumental pieces, Passacaglia accompanies many of the songs and all of the dances in the show.

The performances take place at the Community Hall in Woods Hole at 68 Water Street on Saturday and Sunday, December 19 and 20, both at 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $25, $10 students, free under age 5. Advance purchase is recommended as seats are limited. The Hall is wheelchair accessible, with an elevator located down the walkway to the right side of the building.

Our New Music Director, Amelia Nagoski

Please join me in welcoming Amelia Nagoski, the Solstice Singers’ new music director. Amelia brings great experience as a choral conductor in academic, community, and church settings, as well as a doctorate in musical arts. Amelia’s enthusiasm for early music, vision of excellence in performance, dance skills, and experience working with children are a good fit for Solstice Singers.

Amelia (who prefers they/them pronouns but responds to she/her as well) is co-author, with her twin sister Emily Nagoski, of the bestselling book Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle. With Amelia, we will continue to produce great shows and provide a good experience for Solstice Singers old and new.

Many thanks to our hardworking Search Committee, Lisa Jo Rudy and John Jackson (and to Anne and me, their less-hardworking ex officii), who received a surprising number of applications, interviewed four, looked more closely at two, and ultimately chose the one we think will serve us, our audience, and our mission best.

Dan Hotchkiss, president
Solstice Singers Inc.

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