Digital program
Program notes, texts and translations
Arrowhead Chorale spring concert preview
Program Notes, Texts, and Translations
Personent Hodie
This Christmas Carol, with roots in thirteenth-century Germany and sixteenth-century Finland, was set by North Carolina composer Lara Hoggard as a processional with antiphonal trumpets, organ, and percussion. Personent Hodie depicts, in medieval miracle play fashion, the Virgin birth, the manger scene, the Magi, and the singing of angels.
_ _ _
Personent hodie voces puerulae,
laudantes iucunde qui nobis est natus,
summo Deo datus,
et de vir, vir, vir
et de virgineo ventre procreatus.
Let resound today the voices of children,
joyfully praising Him who is born to us,
given by most high God,
and conceived in a virginal womb.
In mundo nascitur, pannis involvitur
praesepi ponitur stabulo brutorum,
rector supernorum.
Perdidit, dit, dit,
perdidit spolia princeps infernorum.
He was born into the world, wrapped in swaddling clothes,
and laid in a manger in a stable for animals,
the master of the heavens.
The prince of Hell has lost his spoils.
Magi tres venerunt, munera offerunt,
parvulum inquirunt, stellulam sequendo,
ipsum adorando,
aurum, thus, thus, thus,
aurum, thus, et myrrham ei offerendo.
Three Magi came, they were bearing gifts,
and sought the little one,
following a star, to worship him,
and offer him gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Omnes clericuli, pariter pueri,
cantent ut angeli:
advenisti mundo,
gloria in excelsis Deo!
Let all the junior clerics and also the boys sing like angels:
“You have come to the world,
I pour out praises to you.
Glory to God in the highest!”
Jauchzet, frohlocket (from Christmas Oratorio BWV 248)
Part I of J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio was first performed in Leipzig on Christmas Day 1734, and is considered one of the composer’s most memorable musical achievements. The opening chorus begins with timpani and a trumpet fanfare, leading to the brilliant choral entrance which translates to “Rejoice, exult” (from Psalm 100). Imitative counterpoint, dramatic homophonic passages, and evocative text painting (an example being his virtuosic part-writing in the phrase “Serve the Most High with majestic choirs”) demonstrate Bach’s gift of expression.
_ _ _
Jauchzet, frohlocket! auf, preiset die Tage,
Rühmet, was heute der Höchste getan!
Lasset das Zagen, verbannet die Klage,
Stimmet voll Jauchzen und Fröhlichkeit an!
Dienet dem Höchsten mit herrlichen Chören,
Laßt uns den Namen des Herrschers verehren!
Shout for joy, exult, rise up, glorify the day,
praise what today the highest has done!
Abandon hesitation, banish lamentation,
begin to sing with rejoicing and exaltation!
Serve the highest with glorious choirs,
let us honour the name of our ruler!
Still, Still With Thee
American organist Fred Gramann published his setting of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s poem Still, Still with Thee in 1995. Scored for organ, flute, and choir, this meditative piece reflects the renewal and hope (themes of this Christmas season) of an early morning walk. Gramann’s harmonies are a partial reflection of his studies with the great French organist Maurice Duruflé.
_ _ _
Still, still with thee, when purple morning breaketh,
When the bird waketh, and the shadows flee;
Fairer than morning, lovelier than daylight,
Dawns the sweet consciousness, I am with thee.
Alone with thee, amid the mystic shadows,
The solemn hush of nature newly born;
Alone with thee in breathless adoration,
In the calm dew and freshness of the morn.
Still, still with thee! As to each newborn morning
A fresh and solemn splendor still is giv’n,
this blessed consciousness, awaking,
Breathe each day nearness unto thee and heav’n.
So shall it be at last in that bright morning,
When the soul waketh and life’s shadows flee;
O in that hour, fairer than daylight dawning,
Shall rise the glorious thought, I am with thee.
Estampie Natalis
Estampie is an early medieval dance and music form which dates to the 13th century. This 1976 setting by Czech-American composer Vaclav Nelhybel combines the rhythmic and melodic characteristics of the medieval estampie with contemporary harmonies and a driving pulse, creating a sound that is at once ancient and modern. The text begins with the phrase “The boy born in Bethlehem, hallelujah!”
_ _ _
Puer natus in Bethlehem, alleluia,
Unde gaudet Jerusalem, alleluia.
In cordis jubilo Christum natum adoremus
sum novo cantico.
The boy born in Bethlehem, alleluia,
Rejoice Jerusalem, alleluia.
In joy of heart Let us adore the newborn Christ
with a new song.
Assumpsit carnem Filius, alleluia.
Dei Patris altissimus, alleluia.
In cordis jubilo Christum natum adoremus
sum novo cantico.
The Son has assumed flesh, alleluia.
The Father most high, alleluia.
In joy of heart Let us adore the newborn Christ
with a new song.
Per Gabrielem nuntium, alleluia.
Virgo concepit Filium, alleluia.
In cordis jubilo Christum natum adoremus
sum novo cantico.
Per Gabriel’s greeting, alleluia.
The virgin conceived a Son, alleluia.
In joy of heart Let us adore the newborn Christ
with a new song.
Hic jacet in praesepio, alleluia.
Qui regnat sine termino, alleluia.
In cordis jubilo Christum natum adoremus
sum novo cantico.
He lies in the manger, alleluia.
He who rules without end, alleluia.
In joy of heart Let us adore the newborn Christ
with a new song.
In hoc natali gaudio, alleluia.
Benedicamus Domino, alleluia.
Laudetur Sancta Trinitas, alleluia.
Deo dicamus gracias, alleluia!
In joy of this birth, alleluia.
Let us bless the Lord, alleluia.
The Holy Spirit be praised, alleluia.
Give thanks unto God, alleluia!
The Angels and the Shepherds / Hallelu!
Two Christmas pieces, one speaking of vitality and celebration, the other of poignant reflection, come from the pen of award-winning Minneapolis composer Stephen Paulus. Each proclaims “Hallelujah,” and feature Strikepoint.
_ _ _
Shepherds, O hark ye, glad tidings we bring.
Peace and goodwill to the world now we sing.
See in the manger Christ the Annointed,
Whom for your Savior God hath appointed.
Alleluia.
In yonder manger behold now he lies,
Whom angel voices foretold from the skies.
Seeking Thy mercy, we kneel before Thee,
Singing Thy praises, humbly adore Thee.
Alleluia.
Still through the ages the song doth resound,
Peace and goodwill on the earth shall abound,
Bear we the tidings of ev’ry nation,
Born is the Christ Child for man’s salvation.
Alleluia!
//
Down in a valley, sing hallelu!
Mary had a baby, sing hallelu!
What did she name Him, sing hallelu,
Named him Jesus, sing hallelu!
In the Bleak Midwinter
The Christmas carol In the Bleak Midwinter had its beginnings in Christina Rosetti’s 1872 poem, which inspired musical settings by such noted composers as Harold Darke and Gustav Holst. Dan Forrest’s new (2023) setting of the Holst melody juxtaposes the dreariness of a London winter evening and the clock tower bells with the warmth of the poem’s intimate message.
_ _ _
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
earth stood hard as iron, water line a stone:
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.
Angels and archangels may have have gathered there,
cherubim and seraphim thronged the air,
but only His mother, in her maiden bliss,
worshipped the Beloved with a kiss.
What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
if I were a wise man, I would do my part;
yet what I can, I give him: give my heart.
Into the woods and down the dell,
The path is straight, I know it well.
Into the woods, and who can tell?
What’s waiting on the journey?
The Shepherd’s Pipe Carol
This is renowned English composer John Rutter’s first published composition. In 1966, Rutter was an undergraduate student at Clare College of Cambridge University. He composed this piece which was performed by the Clare College Choir at their Christmas concert that year. A few days later, David Willcocks (director of the King’s College Choir) requested a copy of the manuscript and immediately sent it to Oxford University Press for publication. Almost 60 years later, Rutter is recognized worldwide as one of the most beloved choral composers of the past century.
_ _ _
Going through the hills on a night all starry
On the way to Bethlehem,
Far away I heard a shepherd boy piping
On the way to Bethlehem.
Angels in the sky brought this message nigh:
Dance and sing for joy that Christ the newborn King
is come to bring us peace on earth,
And he’s lying cradled there at Bethlehem.
Tell me, shepherd boy piping tunes so merrily
On the way to Bethlehem,
Who will hear your tunes on these hills so lonely
On the way to Bethlehem.
Angels in the sky brought this message nigh:
Dance and sing for joy that Christ the newborn King
is come to bring us peace on earth,
And he’s lying cradled there at Bethlehem.
None may hear my pipes on these hills so lonely
On the way to Bethlehem;
But a King will hear me play sweet lullabies
When I get to Bethlehem.
Angels in the sky came down from on high,
Hovered o’er the manager where the babe was lying
cradled in the arms of his mother Mary,
sleeping now at Bethlehem.
Where is this new King, Shepherd boy piping merrily,
Is he there at Bethlehem?
I will find him soon by the star shining brightly
In the sky o’er Bethlehem.
Angels in the sky brought this message nigh:
Dance and sing for joy that Christ the newborn King
is come to bring us peace on earth,
And he’s lying cradled there at Bethlehem.
May I come with you, shepherd boy piping merrily
Come with you to Bethlehem?
Pay my homage too at the new King’s cradle,
Is it far to Bethlehem?
Angels in the sky brought this message nigh:
Dance and sing for joy that Christ the infant King
is born this night in lowly stable yonder.
Born for you at Bethlehem.
Hallelujah (from Messiah HWV 56)
Handel’s 1741 oratorio Messiah may be the most celebrated musical composition in Western music. Hallelujah is the last movement of Part II. After preceding sections recount the passion, death, and resurrection, the Hallelujah Chorus is music of ultimate triumph and rejoicing. The brilliance of the choral and orchestral writing, the emotional impact of the text, and its accessible nature for both performer and audience, have made this piece an iconic work worldwide.
_ _ _
Hallelujah!
For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth
The kingdom of this world is become
the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.
And He shall reign forever and ever.
King of kings and Lord of lords,
And he shall reign forever and ever,
Hallelujah!
The Chorale
Our mission is to engage and inspire singers and audiences through high-quality performances of diverse, distinctive choral music and unique education opportunities in Northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and surrounding communities.
Click here to learn more about the Arrowhead Chorale (including singer bios)!
Sing for Good
What is Sing for Good?
Sing for Good is Arrowhead Chorale’s community engagement program, under which any and all Chorale-initiated, community-oriented performances and service projects are housed.
The mission of the program is simple, yet powerful: to create harmony in our community through song and service.
origin story
Established in fall of 2022, the idea for Sing for Good was born from a mere observation: there is goodness here.
At any given rehearsal, it is obvious this group understands music to have a transcendent power that heals, unifies, rejuvenates, and soothes. Our singers truly care for each other and our community. To be sure, during the pandemic — a time that was rife with division and the dissolution of arts groups — not only did our group stick together, we emerged with a stronger sense of self and purpose, and with a heightened awareness of the needs in our community that we now endeavor to help meet.
The Arrowhead Chorale possesses a palpable sense of good will, and it felt natural and right to harness that good will and turn it outward, into our community. And so, we Sing for Good.
what we do for goodness sake
To achieve its mission, Sing for Good has five primary projects: outreach concerts, good give, community connect, concert cause, and soul-tending.
outreach concerts
Sing for the marginalized and underserved
2022-23 + 2023-24 seasons: Musical Merriment, Benedictine Living Center, NERCC
2024-2025 season: Musical Merriment (12/3/24), NERCC (12/5/24), Ecumen (3/20/25)
December 2025 concert cycle: Musical Merriment (Tues. 12/2) + NERCC (Thurs. 12/4)
good give
Collect goods for a local nonprofit each concert cycle
2022-23 + 2023-24 seasons: Rural Care and Share Food Shelf, Union Gospel Mission, Duluth Harbor Mission, Damiano Center, Safe Haven, Life House, and Birch Tree Center.
2024-2025 season: Dec 2024: LSS Crisis Nursery | March 2025: Damiano Center
December 2025 concert cycle: Carlton County Community & Family Initiatives
community connect
Host, participate, & pitch in at community events
2022-23 + 2023-24 seasons: Chamber Singers caroling at Bentleyville and The Depot Christmas Market, Haunted Shack, Season Splash
2024-2025 season: Oct 2024: Help with The Haunted Shack event and fundraiser for the Special Olympics in Carlton, MN | July 2025: Participation in Duluth Downtown Days
December 2025 concert cycle: Help with the Haunted Shack in Carlton, Chamber Singers caroling at various community events
concert cause
Fundraise for a local cause at each concert
2022-23 + 2023-24 seasons: Life House, MN Adult & Teen Challenge, Family Freedom Center
2024-2025 season December 2024: Raised $450 for LSS Crisis Nursery in memory of our late friend and fellow singer, Gregory Garmer | March 2025: Raised $500 for 23rd Veteran
December 2025 concert cycle: Stepping on Up
soul-tending
Show care in proactive, intentional, tangible ways
2022-Dec 2025 concert cycle: Encouragement notes written to NERCC residents, Saved You a Seat Memorial at all ticketed concerts (reserved seat in first row marked with a rose and decorative pillow. Singers are welcome to insert notes or mementos to loved ones we’ve lost who we know would love to be in that seat listening to us sing.)
musical merriment
Musical Merriment offers guests an intimate look at the Chorale’s preparation for our Holiday Traditions and Jubilations concert by performing excerpts of the repertoire in a warm and welcoming atmosphere complete with festive decorations, Christmas cookies, cocoa, and a joyous singalong of treasured carols. This event is our goodwill offering to those in our community who may face barriers to experiencing live choral music and its life-giving effect.
December 2025 marked our third annual Musical Merriment behind-the-scenes holiday choral experience. For three years running, generous funding by The Depot Foundation, as well as donations and discounts from SuperOne, Johnson’s Bakery, and Caribou Coffee, this event remains free and festive for all attendees. We have been honored to welcome guests from Trillium, Lighthouse Center for Vital Living, DRCC, Sevita, MN Adult and Teen Challenge, BOLD-choice Theatre, and more. During intermission we mingle in pleasant fellowship with our guests and are always moved to see and hear what this event means to them. And that is why we will continue to do so.
arrowhead chorale spring concert preview
Requiem of Light: The Music of Maurice Duruflé
The Arrowhead Chorale is proud to present Requiem of Light: The Music of Maurice Duruflé, honoring the 40th anniversary of Maurice Duruflé’s passing. This unique program highlights Duruflé’s deeply moving Requiem alongside selected organ works that showcase his lush harmonic language and meditative style, born of his fascination with plainchant. In addition to our talented orchestra, we are honored to welcome Dr. Richard Elliott, principal organist of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, as our guest artist for this tribute to one of the 20th century’s most revered organist-composers.
Special Guest: Dr. Richard Elliot
Richard Elliott is the Principal Organist at the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. He participates in the long-running daily organ recital series and accompanies the Tabernacle Choir on the choir’s weekly radio and TV broadcast, “Music and the Spoken Word,” as well as during general conferences of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
As accompanist for the Tabernacle Choir he has performed in many of the world’s great halls and appeared on numerous television and radio programs. He has traveled extensively as a solo recitalist, with performances on five continents, and previously served as an assistant organist at the John Wanamaker Department Store (later Macy’s) in Philadelphia, home to the world’s largest fully functioning pipe organ. Dr. Elliott can also be heard on dozens of recordings and videos with and without the choir.
Strikepoint
Derek Bromme, Artistic Director
Derek Bromme is the new artistic director of Strikepoint, taking over from founder Bill Alexander last fall, although he has been a member of the group since 2014. In addition to Strikepoint, he is the director of two other bell groups at First United Methodist Church in Duluth. Derek’s first published piece of handbell music, The Sparrows of Keshum, is now available from From the Top Music. Derek is the founder and director of Benedictine Bronze, the College of St. Scholastica’s handbell ensemble, where he also serves as the director of bands. Aside from bells, he directs the FUMC choir and the Lake Superior Low Brass Ensemble. In addition to his directing pursuits, Derek enjoys being an active member of the Big Time Jazz Orchestra and Twin Ports Brass quintet. Derek spends the rest of his time at home with his husband Amos and adorable baby daughter Sonja.
About Strikepoint
Strikepoint is a church-based community/professional handbell ensemble. Led by artistic director Dr. Derek Bromme, this eleven-member group performs in a directorless ensemble setting. High school and college students, and community members have joined with selected ringers from the four bell ensembles at Duluth’s First United Methodist Church to provide a consistently high level of musicianship since Strikepoint’s beginnings in 1984.
Annual tours have taken the group throughout the continental U.S. as well as to England, Scotland, Wales, Japan, Hong Kong, Sweden, Canada and Hawaii. They have been the featured performer at numerous area, national and international handbell festivals and symposia. In 2024, Strikepoint was honored to be the sole ensemble representing the United States at the 21st International Symposium in Hamamatsu, Japan.
Strikepoint music has been featured on many local, national, and international radio, television, and online programs, as well as live performances with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra, Arrowhead Chorale, Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra and other professional musical organizations. They have produced nine recordings, and their social media have a large following. Strikepoint is highly regarded in the handbell world as pioneers and innovators, and are considered one of the very top handbell ensembles in the world. Learn more about Strikepoint.
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