Eugene Ormandy, the renowned conductor, invites you to experience the magic of the holiday season with "A Christmas Festival," a captivating classical album set to release on December 13, 2024, under Sony Classical. In just 31 minutes, this orchestral journey weaves together timeless Christmas carols and cherished hymns, offering a concise yet profound musical celebration.
The album opens with the traditional "Oh Tannenbaum," followed by the serene "It Came Upon The Midnight Clear." Ormandy's interpretation of "The Little Drummer Boy" brings a unique charm, while "I Wonder As I Wander" showcases the orchestra's delicate nuances. A highlight of the album is the inclusion of excerpts from Handel's "Messiah," including the majestic "For unto us a Child is born" and the triumphant "Hallelujah Chorus," performed with the grandeur and precision that Ormandy is celebrated for.
From the joyous "Here We Come A-Caroling" to the tender "Away in a Manger," and the lively "Jingle Bells," the album captures the essence of the season. The orchestral arrangements of "Good King Wenceslas" and "We Three Kings of Orient Are" add depth and richness to these familiar tunes. Each track is a testament to Ormandy's masterful conducting and the orchestra's exceptional skill, making "A Christmas Festival" a delightful addition to any holiday playlist.
(P) 2024 Sony Music Entertainment
Tracks
Oh TannenbaumTraditional, Eugene Ormandy, St. Francis De Sales Boychoir, Temple University Concert Choir, Philadelphia Orchestra
It Came Upon The Midnight ClearTraditional, Eugene Ormandy, St. Francis De Sales Boychoir, Temple University Concert Choir, Philadelphia Orchestra
The Little Drummer BoyHarry Simeone, Eugene Ormandy, St. Francis De Sales Boychoir, Temple University Concert Choir, Philadelphia Orchestra
I Wonder As I WanderJohn Jacob Niles, Eugene Ormandy, St. Francis De Sales Boychoir, Temple University Concert Choir, Philadelphia Orchestra
Messiah, HWV 56: For unto us a Child is bornGeorge Frideric Handel, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra, St. Francis De Sales Boychoir, Temple University Concert Choir
Here We Come A-CarolingTraditional, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
Good King WenceslasTraditional, Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra
Away in a MangerTraditional, Eugene Ormandy, St. Francis De Sales Boychoir, Temple University Concert Choir, Philadelphia Orchestra
Jingle BellsTraditional, Eugene Ormandy, St. Francis De Sales Boychoir, Temple University Concert Choir, Philadelphia Orchestra
We Three Kings of Orient AreTraditional, Eugene Ormandy, St. Francis De Sales Boychoir, Temple University Concert Choir, Philadelphia Orchestra
Messiah, HWV 56: Hallelujah ChorusGeorge Frideric Handel, Eugene Ormandy, St. Francis De Sales Boychoir, Temple University Concert Choir, Philadelphia Orchestra