Drawing inspiration from the extensive 1920s record catalogue of Anna Phillips, the last private owner of Phillips House, this hour-long concert will highlight arias, art songs, and piano works taken from the canon of musical greats such as Verdi, Puccini, Mozart, and more!
A Groton Hill exclusive!
Hailed as “opera royalty” and “one of the leading mezzo-sopranos of her generation” (OperaWire), Grammy Award-winning J’Nai Bridges is a powerhouse of vocal artistry.
Celebrated for her mesmerizing portrayal of Nefertiti in Philip Glass’ Akhnaten at the Metropolitan Opera and as a definitive Carmen on two continents, Bridges captivates audiences with her sumptuous voice and commanding stage presence.
A cappella sensation Voctave has had over 160 million social media views of their videos, and their albums frequently debut in the top 10 on the Billboard and iTunes charts. In 2024 they released the third volume in their popular The Corner of Broadway & Main Street series and recorded a number of collaborations with guest artists including Tituss Burgess and The Swingles. Last season Voctave released a brand-new holiday album It Feels Like Christmas and embarked on a North American holiday tour. Other recent highlights include an album of lullabies entitled Goodnight, My Someone and tours of their popular show The Corner of Broadway & Main Street. Formed in 2015 by producer and arranger Jamey Ray, the voices that bring their arrangements to life represent a wealth of diverse backgrounds and musical experiences. Hailing from Central Florida, the eleven members of Voctave have performed across the globe and appear on countless recordings. The group has performed with GRAMMY, Dove and American Music Award recipients.
The chorus and orchestra will perform John Rutter’s Gloria!, in celebration of Rutter’s 80th birthday, as well as additional works by Vaughan Williams, Finzi, Bernstein, Britten, and Faure.
Rutter’s Gloria!, with its rousing rhythms, was his first big “hit” for chorus and orchestra. We will have an excellent brass section to do full justice to this irresistible music. Also on the program are works by three other British composers – Gerald Finzi’s In Terra Pax, full of rich and striking harmonies.Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols, selected movements of Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols and Gabriel Faure’s beloved Cantique de Jean Racine. The final movement of Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms concludes with this fervent hope: “Behold how good, and how pleasant it is, for brethren to dwell together in unity.” Such a timely and moving message
Saturday, December 13, 2025
at 2:00PM and 5:00PM
Memorial Chapel, Middlesex School,
1400 Lowell Rd, Concord, MA
Featuring works by Brahms, Gjeilo, Gounod, Palestrina, Still, Stainer & Vaughan Williams, and traditional carols with audience participation.
Five O’Clock Shadow (FOCS) is a dynamic and engaging a cappella group hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, known for their ability to create a full band sound using only their voices.
Their intricate vocal arrangements are a hallmark, both in their critically acclaimed original music and their distinctive covers. What makes FOCS stand out is their innovative use of effects – previously used exclusively by instrumentalists – employed real-time to build the sound, feel, and vibe of a rock concert.
The band’s refreshingly authentic rapport among themselves and with their audiences produces a unique and thoroughly entertaining experience each time they hit the stage. Concert-goers of all ages have cheered the band’s performances at venues ranging from Boston’s Leader Band Pavilion and Symphony Hall to performing arts venues in Japan and all points in between.
The Kings of Brass are ready to make the holiday season merry and bright with Making Spirits Bright. This quintet never fails to delight with their winning combination of fabulous sound, engaging wit, popular programming, and top-notch showmanship. Making Spirits Bright includes original arrangements and signature takes on beloved holiday classics such as "'ll Be Home for Christmas," "Charlie Brown Christmas," "Silver Bells, "Songs of Hanukkah," and "Jingle Bell Rock" The spirit and sparkle of Canadian Brass has earned them a loyal legion of fans worldwide. "Nothing proclaims celebration and festivity like the sound of brass instruments. And if those instruments are played by Canadian Brass, there is even greater cause for celebration" (Toronto Star).
