Holiday Playlist
Compiled and written by Yutong Yang.
There are as many breeds of songs that would belong in a Happy Holidays playlist as ways people spend their holidays — infinitely many. Yet however we celebrate, the end of a year is always tinged with melancholy as well as joy, as we remember all the people, relationships, things, and places we’d had to leave behind. On this special day, they are with us as well.
This year, we’re so excited to bring to you our first ever playlist, a celebration of surviving 2021, the beautiful memories we’ll carry with us into the new year, and above all, our wonderful community of artists and music lovers.
Abendsegen - Kathleen Battle & Frederica von Stade
When audiences see the name Engelbert Humperdinck, they think of the British pop star from the 1960s who made a major impact on popular music, but to many classical music aficionados Humperdinck is anything but a pop star.
Of the many works he penned during his lifetime (1854-1921), his best-known and most beloved work is the opera Hansel and Gretel. Premiered in Weimar under Richard Strauss' baton two days before Christmas in 1893, it has become a perennial favorite with audiences and is a staple in many opera houses during this time of year. The prayer sung by our principal players is beloved by all who hear it for its simplicity and sincerity.
—— Kevin Scott, composer & conductor
And He Shall Purify - AAM, VOCES8, Apollo5, Barnaby Smith
— Guest Curator: Vince Di Mura, composer, arranger, jazz pianist, musical director.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Mikayla Petrilla
— Guest Curator: Brittany Goodwin, opera librettist & stage director.
I recorded this song in my Brooklyn apartment for a virtual show in December of 2020 to bring a little yuletide joy when we were unable to share in in-person holiday celebrations. I didn't expect for isolation to go on for holiday season #2, but alas, here we are. I hope this can continue its initial intention of bringing some at-home joy to whoever listens.
'Through the years, we'll always be together, if the fates allow' strikes a new chord in pandemic times, right? Yet -- let's keep to the song's message of making the yuletide light and being present with merriness. Cultivating and celebrating what joy, gratitude and sliver linings we have at the end of 2021 is a warm message I hope to share in with all of you listening. Cheers to 2022 x
— Mikayla Petrilla
Lo, How a Rose e'er Blooming - Rocky Duval
I’ve always loved this hymn. During the pandemic, my wonderful church job gave me so much opportunity to express via video recording and film. When they asked me what Christmas song I’d like to perform , I naturally asked to make a video of Lo, How a Rose. I hope you enjoy!
❤️ Rocky
Lonely Hearts at Christmas - Lucas Meachem
I love artists that are not afraid to play, have fun and continue exploring the full potential of their artistry. Lucas Meachem always has something fun in store for the holidays and he did not disappoint this year! I really love his new original song, and I enjoy hearing his beautiful voice in a completely different style. He is such a versatile singer and it’s inspiring! I recommend everyone checks this song out!
—— Eugenia Forteza, founder, lead editor, actor, opera singer
O Holy Night - VOCE NOVA
Being Jewish and growing up in Israel, we weren’t surrounded by Christmas music.
Sure, we watched some of the movies, and absorbed some of the culture around it through the American sitcoms and holiday specials shown on Israeli TV, but we don’t have Christmas songs playing on the radio or in stores for weeks around the holiday, so it’s much less pervasive.
However, when we were asked to record a Christmas song and have it be our first ever global streaming release, we jumped on the opportunity!
Together with our co-producer Lisa, we decided to go with “O Holy Night”, because we all felt that it was one of the most powerful Christmas songs out there and would be a great canvas on which to put our unique VOCE NOVA touch, which combines the luxury of classical music with the excitement of pop and rock music. Our music producer Assaf was so excited to work on his first Christmas song, too, and was able to create this custom arrangement in no time.
We hope you enjoy and have a wonderful holiday!
—— Natalia Tsvi & Gilad Paz
Snow in the Streets/Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine/Wassail, Wassail - The New Christy Minstrels
I was 26 years old when I first heard this compilation. I was walking in a quiet snow in Little Italy in New York City. My companions were two principal dancers from American Ballet Company. The song was playing loudly throughout the street. Alexander knew the music immediately and Simone started spinning down the quiet blanketed street. Alexander joined in. They invited me to partake. A far lesser dancer than either of them, I was embraced and accepted. We danced and sang together to this music. I smile thinking about the moment. It was magic to me. I felt alive.
—— David Roby, playwright, actor, director, professor
Snowman - Sia
I’d wanted to nominate a song such as “Hallelujah,” riddled with passion and religion. But then I decided to go for something more lighthearted — it’s been a particularly trying year, and many are secretly craving some fun and fluff with no strings attached.
Pop diva Sia’s fans may well be acquainted with her party queen persona forever after “Cheap Thrills,” swinging from the “Chandelier” and covering her ennui with excess, or the “Titanium” warrior. All of these songs hit home like wrecking balls. In “Snowman,” on the other hand, the fierceness has morphed into a stubborn love that burns bright even in the wildest freezing winter. It is a love grounded in acceptance, so big it leaves no room for regret or guilt. After all, isn’t Christmas partly about laying down our resentment and embracing each other in our homes “for all seasons”?
—— Yutong Yang
What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? - Jenny Cresswell (Soprano), Bernard Damon Holcomb (Tenor), Todd Schreiber (Piano)
One of the things that has been great about the pandemic is that through virtual collaboration, connections have been made that previously did not exist. Bernard and I connected through facebook a little over a year ago. We're both very active on social media and share singing clips and snippets of our lives pretty regularly. One night I saw a clip of him singing just the first line of this song and commented that I wanted to sing the whole thing with him as a duet!
We both followed through. I reached out to Todd Schreiber, a longtime friend of mine and music teacher. He recorded the piano track for us. I sent it to Bernard, who recorded his part, and then I added mine last. I put it all together in video editing and was able to make something that I think evokes the essence of the song. The classic recording of this is by Ella Fitzgerald. It can sometimes be tricky for classically trained singers to take on non-classical music and not sound overproduced or insincere, but I think in that regard, Bernard and I are really well-matched, even though we've still never met in person!
—— Jenny Cresswell
Listen to the Full Playlist:
We hope you’ve enjoyed our playlist, a collective labor of love, and are having the best holiday ever with your loved ones. As we usher in 2022, may these songs fill your hearts and your lives with light, peace, and inspiration, no matter where in the world you are. May your hearts soar with the music. May you feel adored.
- Yutong Yang