Product Description This splendid recording of 15 traditional Christmas songs and carols displays the impressive vocal talents of the members of the Northwest Boychoir and the young men and women of Vocalpoint! Seattle. Released in 1994, this is the third holiday album recorded and produced under the direction of Joseph Crnko with Nathaniel Papadakis. With this album, the choirs have worked to recreate the splendor and magic of their annual Festival of Lessons & Carols presentations. To capture the distinct quality of the boychoir sound, the choirs recorded on location at West Seattle's beautiful Holy Rosary Church. Every effort was taken to retain the breathtaking resonance of Holy Rosary. To add to the beauty of this recording, the choirs are accompanied by musicians from Seattle's leading orchestras and chamber groups. The result is a rich, vibrant recording that fully reveals the talents of these ensembles. About the Artist Since its founding in 1971, the Northwest Boychoir has become one of the leading youth choirs in the United Sates. Combining outstanding musical training with professional performance experience, the Northwest Boychoir is among the most respected performance arts programs in Washington State. The Northwest Boychoir is the official Boychoir of the Seattle Symphony and is in constant demand throughout the Puget Sound region. Officially designated our "Singing Ambassadors" by Washington Governor Gary Locke, the Northwest Boychoir has performed in Europe, Great Britain, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Hawaii and throughout the continental United States. The Northwest Boychoir has produced four holiday recordings: A Christmas at Chateau Ste. Michelle, released in 1986; Here We Come A-Caroling, released 1989; Our Finest Gifts, released in 1994; and 'Tis the Season, just released in 1998. The Northwest Boychoir is also featured on the Seattle Symphony's recording of David Diamond's This Sacred Ground, available on Delos Records. The choir recently joined with the Seattle Symphony for the premiere recording of Howard Hanson's opera Merry Mount. As part of its emphasis on professional performance opportunities, the Northwest Boychoir makes frequent television and radio appearances. The Seattle-based CBS affiliate produced a holiday special featuring the Northwest Boychoir in a performance of its annual Christmas presentation, A Festival of Lessons & Carols. The Northwest Boychoir was also featured in the 1996 PBS special Music Across America, starring Paul Sorvino. The Northwest Boychoir is regularly contracted for motion picture soundtrack recordings. It is featured in such movies as Christopher Columbus, Barney's Great Adventure, Every Dog Has Its Day, The 18th Angel, and Wild America, as well as HBO's The Indictment. The music staff, under the leadership of Music Director Joseph Crnko, emphasizes music education and training. The Northwest Boychoir is divided into four instructional levels. Instruction stresses music literacy, ear training, rhythm skills, general musicianship and vocal training. In addition to year-round rehearsals, members attend an annual summer camp, which provides an intensive forum for study, rehearsal and fun. The Northwest Boychoir is an important part of the Seattle community. The choir is frequently invited to perform for various civic and corporate events. Such participation is encouraged as it provides a broad base of experience for members. The choir draws upon parent and community volunteers to assist in making the Northwest Boychoir a unique and rich experience.