A Christmas collection that attempts to narrow the gap between the music most performed (that written before 1900) and the vibrant work of living, working composers. 'So gracious' the aptly-named Choral Artists combined beloved classics, fresh and original arrangements of traditional melodies, and some of their favorite (and previously unrecorded) works of Bay Area Composers. Favorites are Laurie Lee's powerful 'Twelfth Night,' Fenno Heath's flawless arrangements of 'I Wonder as I Wander' and 'What Child is This?,' Herbert Bielawa's 'Sweet Was the Song,' William Billings' lilting, joyous 'A Virgin Unspotted,' 'Ave Maria' and 'Silent Night,' both arranged by David Conte, Roger Nixon's 3-part 'Wonders of Christmas' particularly 'Christmas Greeting,' Wm. Dawson's fine spiritual 'Hail Mary!,' John Stephenson's powerful 'Milford' and Ruth Thornhill's 'Snowfall,' arranged by Gene Puerling. The eclectic and engaging 'So gracious' touches, surprises and delights us with every song!

Founded in 1984, Director Hooper and the well-chosen, balanced 24 voices immediately displayed a fresh and elegant sound, using on this first Christmas recording, for example, as wide a palette of moods, colors, rhythms and textures as possible. So although we've heard practically all of these tunes before, the bright arrangements and surprising accompaniment (harp, flute, organ and 'The Ringmasters' bellringers) adds to our appreciation of this 21-song collection. Favorites are a Stephen Paulus-arranged 'We Three Kings,' Heinrich Schutz' beautiful 'Cantate Domino,' Tomas Luis de Victoria's 'Gloria from Missa O Magnum Mysterium,' Praetorius' 'Gaudete Omnes,' Roger Nixon's a cappella 'Green Growth the Holly,' Kirke Mecham's lovely 'Christmas Carol,' Francis Poulenc's 'O Magnum Mysterium,' Anton Bruckner's soaring, angelic 'Virga Jesse' and ''Noel Nouvelet' and 'Deck the Hall,' both arranged by our friend Ken Malucelli. 'Star is a special treat, to be kept in a safe place, so that it can be savored and enjoyed with the coming of the holidays!

The SFCA has been delighting Bay Area audiences since 1985 with their perfectly-balanced blend of 24 voices, fresh and unusual song selection and elegant presentation of choral classics and new music by contemporary composers. Magen Solomon has been Music Director of the group since 1995, and she also directs the Oakland Symphony Chorus. 'Music Among Friends' celebrates the ties of this chamber ensemble with the 'lively community of local composers who have generously shared their wonderful music with us.' 16 of these 22 works, chosen from live performances of the last 5 years, are by Bay Area composers, many are world premieres and several others have never been commercially recorded. Some of our favorites are a pair by Russell Burnham, 'The Dance' and 'Sonnet 4: O You Tender Ones,' Paul Chihara's 'Lie Lightly, Gentle Earth,' Allen Shearer's dissonant gem 'The Marriage,' John Kelley's poignant 'When You Are Old,' Paul Crabtree's 'First and Last Kiss,' Wm. Hawley's soaring 'Vita de la mia vita,' Robert Starey's surprising, powerful 'It Is an Easy Thing,' Kirke Mechem's beautiful 'Loveliest of Trees,' Halsey Stevens' 'Go, Lovely Rose,' Conrad Susa's 'The Gallant One' and 'The Kings of the Deck' and the lovely hymn, 'In the Valley.' There is occasional accompaniment, but mostly wonderful a cappella harmonies from this polished, talented ensemble. We loved every cut of 'Music Among Friends!'