Cathedral Concert Series presents ‘A Cathedral Christmas’

“A Cathedral Christmas” concert opened with sacred hymns, such as Handel’s “Joy to the World” and Mendelssohn’s “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” by musicians from the Pontifical Chorale of Corpus Christi Cathedral and Festival Orchestra. This free Christmas concert was open to everyone on Dec. 3 at Corpus Christi Cathedral. 

“A Cathedral Christmas” is part two of this year’s Cathedral Concert Series. The orchestra was conducted by Alex Oldroyd and his wife, Meaghan King, who holds a doctorate in musical arts. Oldroyd is director of music and organist at Corpus Christi Cathedral, and King is director of sacred music and organist at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. 

In between each set of songs, a lesson was read to the audience by a member of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity. The lessons were Scriptural passages, meditating upon the Messiah’s arrival and providing a narration of the Advent theme.

Red and white poinsettias were adorned around the altar, and an array of green Christmas trees sprinkled with white lights were arranged upon the altar against the golden-hued backdrop of the church’s sanctuary, giving it a festive air.

Before the concert began, Father Pete Elizardo, the rector of Corpus Christi Cathedral, greeted all the guests and gave everyone a warm welcome as he introduced the event.

An estimated 200 audience members enjoyed sacred holiday sounds throughout the evening and were invited to sing along with the chorale during certain musical pieces.

“I went to prepare my mind and heart during Advent season for Christ,” said audience member Josef Suarez, a parishioner at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and member of the Young Catholic Adults. “I enjoyed that, and it was very relaxing and peaceful.”

Nicole Weaver and Carolina Salinas led a children’s choir, and they joined the pontifical chorale by singing at the front of the Cathedral. 

“The Cathedral Christmas was such a special event to be a part of. The St. John the Baptist Children’s Choir was invited to perform and collaborated with the Cathedral Children’s Choir under the direction of Salinas,” said Weaver who conducted the children’s choir at the front of the Cathedral. “Our youth always impress me with their beautiful and God-given talents.”

Carolina Salinas, who works with the Cathedral Children’s Choir and is a member of the Pontifical Choir, said, “I was grateful for the opportunity to work with the children’s choir this year. We are excited to bring back the Youth Choir at the Cathedral. We hope to continue to grow and participate in events, such as the Christmas concert.” 

The children’s choir brought an element of youthfulness to the night as their voices harmonized with the Pontifical Chorale, who sang from the choir loft.

“It takes a monumental amount of effort to put something like this together. However, it is truly a joy to make music together with our colleagues and friends,” King explained. “And there’s something about Christmas music that seems to reach people, musicians included, in a way that other music doesn’t.” 

Oldroyd and King began arranging the musical selections, choir members and musicians for the concert a year in advance. In addition to their rehearsal schedule, the choir also worked on their own to learn the music so that when they’re in rehearsal together, they spend less time learning notes and more time polishing the piece. “It’s a testament to both their skill and their dedication,” Oldroyd said. “With the many local musical happenings throughout the holidays and remainder of the year, it is important to avoid conflicts.”
Both Oldroyd and King thanked the Knights of Columbus, Father Brady Williams, SOLT, the SOLT sisters, ushers, volunteers and Father Elizardo, who participated throughout the night in various ways to help with the flow of the production. 

“I can’t thank the choir members enough for all they do. It’s a great joy and an honor to make music together with them,” Oldroyd said. He also noted the importance of the musicians, “It’s always a lot of fun to collaborate with our stellar instrumental colleagues.”

“I’d especially like to thank His Excellency Bishop Michael Mulvey, who believes strongly in the power of music,” Oldroyd said. He also expressed gratitude towards donors and sponsors “without whom programs like this wouldn’t be possible.”