Carols after a Plague

The Crossing @ Christmas
The Jeffrey Dinsmore Memorial Concerts

an evening of premieres from: Leila Adu, Alex Berko, Edith Canat de Chizy, Viet Cuong, Samantha Fernando, Vanessa Lann, Mary Jane Leach, Shara Nova, Joseph C. Phillips Jr., Nina Shekhar, Tyshawn Sorey, LJ White

Sunday, December 19, 2021
@ 5pm
Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia

Meet the composers at the post-concert reception in Widener Hall

Please note: Masks and proof of vaccination are required to attend "Carols After a Plague." Masks must be worn at all times while indoors at the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill. Vaccination card will be checked by front of house staff prior to entry into the Sanctuary. The choir will sing unmasked.

A plague can be left behind. A carol is lasting:
a record of the time.

What is a Carol?

Brief, singable song, for choirs of varying sizes, often on themes of advent, anticipation, rebirth; a story, recounting an event, that stays with us and becomes a part of our culture.

What is a Plague?

Can also be brief, or not; it affects great numbers of people, causing physical destruction and emotional distress. Pandemics, racism, climate change, gun violence, homelessness, diasporas – these are Plagues. Isolation and loneliness, too.

Carols after a Plague: a collection from many composers new toThe Crossing, all addressing the topic of Plague through their idea of Carol. A concert embracing unprecedented breadth of style and perspective; a history, as we emerge.

Carols have been commissioned by The Crossing, Michael and Lise Meloy, Kim and Ed Shiley, Steven Hyder and Donald Nally, The Bixby Family, an Anonymous Donor, and a consortium of The Board of Directors at The Crossing.