Old World Carolers Archived Ancestral Holiday Music

The Old World Carolers have compiled a library of archived music from throughout Europe, going back to medieval periods through the Renaissance and into the Victorian era. They research and sing in many languages, this year from England, Wales, France, Germany, Spain, and Sweden. An additional offering this year is the Ukrainian carol, Nova radist stala, “Joy on Earth Now Appearing.” The concert includes a singalong portion, with lyrics and sheet music distributed to follow along as songs are introduced. The Carolers’ music also incorporates some midwinter rituals and traditions, such as the Swedish tradition of Sankta Lucia (Saint Lucy), where a lighted procession with song precedes the coming date of Christmas, also celebrated in other Scandinavian countries, Italy, and the Caribbean; and the French Saint Nicolas, another early arriver in advance of Christmas. Many of the songs connect to historical events in their traditions.