The locally-based, a cappella vocal ensemble has been a regular part of seasonal celebrations in western Maine for over 25 years; presenting local audiences with its unique and unusual style of early American and European music.
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After missing last year’s holiday season, Northfield is back with a new, and slightly expanded, lineup. They will be sharing their music for the season at concerts on the third weekend of December in Farmington, Belgrade Lakes, and Rangeley.
Formerly an intimate ensemble of eight voices, Northfield has always performed its music without instrumental accompaniment – in the ancient and beautiful style called a cappella (Latin for ‘in the chapel’). They have recruited some additional voices in the last year, adding three new voices to the group. The new members, in addition to bringing new energy and enthusiasm, have added a new depth of sound to the group – without losing the intimacy of small-group singing.
Northfield’s performance style remains true to its traditions: providing modern audiences with an entertaining and accessible look into the musical styles of our ancestors. Their programs, including this season’s, also mix varying styles and sounds designed to be enjoyable to anyone who appreciates music made by the human voice.
This year’s program is entitled “Night and Day.” The theme is a reflection on the fact that our beloved winter holidays happen at a very dark time of the year. Long and dark nights encourage introspection and melancholy, which Northfield explores in John Wilbye’s Draw On, Sweet Night, an English madrigal about love’s longing. The mystery of the Savior’s birth – also in the dark of night – is also celebrated with songs, both familiar and unusual, as it has been for centuries. Night, of course, leads to dawn; and winter to spring. Northfield’s celebrations of the season include ancient and traditional songs, as well as compositions of the great masters of the European Renaissance, including Monteverdi, Byrd, and Gabrieli. Light-hearted, modern adaptations for the season – supplied by Garrison Keillor and Peter Schickele – are guaranteed to provide some laughs.
Northfield’s 2010 Christmas Concerts will be presented at the following times and locations: Union Church in Belgrade Lakes Village on Friday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.; Nordica Auditorium in Farmington on Saturday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m. sponsored by the Arts Institute of Western Maine, and The Church of the Good Shepherd in Rangeley on Sunday, Dec. 19 at 4 p.m. Donations will be taken at the door for the concerts in Belgrade Lakes and Farmington. Admission to the Rangeley concert is $10.
