The chorale is very pleased to present a collection of Old English Carols: “A Ceremony of Carols, Op 28” by Benjamin Britten (1913-1976). It is based largely on poems which were written in the 15th and 16th centuries. The music was written around these original Christmas poems while Britten was crossing the Atlantic in U-Boat infested waters while returning from America to England in 1942.

He conducted the first public rendition of this collection of carols in December 1942, at Wigmore Hall in London, with the Morriston Boy’s Choir. The lyrics were originally in German with harp accompaniment to capture the ancient ambience of the poems

The accompanist for this special set will be Hansen who is a senior at Brigham Young University. She has performaned with the BYU Harp Ensemble and studies with Marilyn Dodson. She has also studied under Louise Vickerman, harpist for the Utah Symphony. This performance will be Hanson’s first since her return from an LDS Mission to San Diego, California. She is a 2003 graduate of Payson High School and currently lives in Provo where she teaches private harp lessons.

Other selections for this performance include works by John Rutter, Leroy Robertson, Mack Wilberg and Katherine Davis.

They are pleased to introduce Lisa Hansen as the Payson Civic Chorale’s new assistant conductor. Hansen received her bachelor’s degree from BYU, graduating summa cum laude as University Valedictorian in 1990. She also serves as musical director on the Board of Payson’s Upstage Theater for Youth and the Payson Arts Council, and has provided music for and performed in several Payson Community Theater productions, including 2008’s “Beauty and the Beast.”

The Payson Civic Chorale is made up of 80 singers who meet together regularly to rehearse, perform and expand their musical horizons. They enjoy combining their talents with other musical groups and individuals in the area, such as with the Mapleton Civic Chorale in their 2008 fall concert, and The Dalton’s in Christmast benefit performances. David C. Dahlquist is the Chorale’s founder and musical director, who has many years of experience to his credit at Payson High School, Pioneer Memorial Theater, Lagoon Opera House, and many others. He has spent his career in leading and training countless youth and adults to understand, perform and enjoy music and theatre.