Handel: For Unto Us A Child Is Born from Messiah - Megaron Chamber Choir

Messiah (HWV 56) is an English-language oratorio composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel. The text was compiled from the King James Bible and the Coverdale Psalter by Charles Jennens. It was first performed in Dublin on 13 April 1742 and received its London premiere nearly a year later. After an initially modest public reception, the oratorio gained in popularity, eventually becoming one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in Western music. Megaron Choir is in my humble opinion one of the best European youth choirs. Their energy, virtuosity, and competence are beyond rational understanding. Megaron Chamber Choir was founded in October 2003 on the initiative of Damijan Močnik, composer and conductor, and united former students of the Diocesan Classical Gymnasium at St. Stanislav’s Institution in Ljubljana, who had before been active in various choral ensembles and received music education in one or more of the five choirs at the Diocesan Classical Gymnasium. As such, Megaron Chamber Choir represents the peak of the choir pyramid of St. Stanislav’s Institution. In the sixteen years since its founding, Megaron Chamber Choir has evolved into a high-quality choir performing regularly in Slovenia as well as in Austria, Italy, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Poland, USA, and Canada, and thus earning a reputation at home as well as abroad. More: https://kzmegaron.com/about/

AUDIOJUNKIE: Yule music specialist Elizabeth Chan, true boss of Christmas

by Punch Liwanag, MB

Elizabeth Chan (Facebook)

Let this Christmas music specialist help you get in a merry mood.

By this time next week, Christmas would be over as far as the actual date is concerned. But that doesn’t mean the party stops on Dec. 25. Actually, for us Pinoys, Christmas is just the precursor to an even bigger excuse to party on the New Year celebrations that comes a week after.

Just being on brand as the ones who celebrate the season the longest. But did you know that for some, looking forward to the Holidays is a year-round thing? 

That’s what it’s like for Elizabeth Chan. Since her 2013 debut, the New York native has established herself as a music act that specializes exclusively in Christmas music.

Elizabeth Chan has Pinoy roots and had a successful job in marketing (worked for Condé Nast) before deciding a full-time career as a singer and songwriter of Christmas music. Her songs “Fa La La” and “Best Gift Ever” (released in 2013 and 2018 respectively) have both charted in Billboard’s adult contemporary Top 20 chart. And just last year she released “The Queen of Christmas” – a spoken word and music album that told the story of, who else? The Queen of Christmas of course!

So, one could say that she’s made Christmas her business. While everyone is looking at December as the winding down of the year, it’s actually when Elizabeth Chan is the busiest. And that’s the case once again as she works her latest and 12th album titled ”12 Months Of Christmas.”

Forget hearing about “Jingle Bells” and all those old songs that have long entered public domain status, because Elizabeth Chan is all about her new songs. 

Beyond singing about hollies, trees and reindeers, E.C. sings about strength of character on opening song “Avalanche.” Even those who sing songs about the merriest time of the year, can feel all sorts of pressure. Now you know.

And don’t let it be said that E.C. asks only about material stuff for Christmas, we all could take a page from her book and ask for something, or someone, who could probably make our lives a little better, like what she does on “New Boss For Christmas.” Here she sings, ‘Just think of all the ways that I could endeavor / live a life that’s better and work with someone who / understands the hustle,’ she continues that you can wish for ‘a new face, a new job, a new place,’ or simply, ‘a new boss.’ It’s quite cheeky but true, and it’s also got a catchy melody to boot. 

“This Is My Year” is a rousing song that goes beyond what passes for traditional Christmas songs as it’s actually quite the inspirational pop rock song and I guess that’s a first for Elizabeth Chan. Same goes for surging “Greatest Of These Days,” with its club-style stomp that extols what’s positive about the season.

Disco funky “Merry Merry,” “Christmas Around The World” and “The Santa Clause” (that’s probably her daughter singing with her) helps put the happy in this holiday-themed album.

“!2 Months Of Christmas” is an achievement for Elizabeth Chan as the whole endeavor tells more about her commitment to her chosen niche. Forget about being a pop star all year round, Elizabeth Chan is laser-focused on that one special season. And she works all those months and kicks it into high gear come the last 5-6 weeks of the year like a boss.

She’s all about writing that one Christmas classic (or two) and this album is just another step towards that happening.