Indianapolis Symphonic Choir's festival of carols

CD review

From East to West: A Festival of Carols with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir
Indianapolis Symphonic Choir
Self-release

By Leslie Benson

Celebrating their 70th anniversary season, the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir has released a holiday recording, including the specially commissioned "From East to West" by composer Dan Locklair, now a permanent part of the choir's repertoire, highlighting Charles Manning on organ. The choir sings the emotional Glenn Rudolph's "The Dream Isaiah Saw," composed in response to the events of Sept. 11 and sung magnificently on this 10-track CD. Led by Artistic Director Eric Stark and Assistant Conductor Michael Davis, the 150-member volunteer choir sings familiar carols such as "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" and "Christmas Time is Here," from A Charlie Brown Christmas, as well as "He is Born," sung in French. Fresh, rhythmic arrangements bring wholesome and angelic perspectives to both traditional and newly commissioned songs. The most heartfelt track on the album is the almost holy rendition of Bette Midler's "The Rose" by soloist Anne Penny Valentine, mezzo-soprano, like a love song for baby Jesus, intertwined with "Lo, How a Rose," by the full choir. The choir remains a staple partner and "guest artist" of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, performing annual concerts such as the sold-out gospel Celebration and Sacred Arts performance, in collaboration with the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Make your holiday harmonious and humble this season. Pick up a copy of the ISC's new album, From East to West: A Festival of Carols with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, for $18 from www.indychoir.org, or catch the choir live when they perform Handel's Messiah Saturday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in
 Saints Peter & Paul Cathedral, 1347 North Meridian St., Indianapolis.

LBENSON@NUVO.NET