I held a rose on Christmas Day
Hymns & Carols
work detail
instrumentation: for voice and keyboard
completion date: december 2020
duration: 2 1/2 minutes
texts: Original hymn text by the composer.
events
A FEAST OF CAROLS
Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 22 East Chestnut Hill Ave, Philadelphia, PA
2:00 pm
The Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia and artistic director Dominick DiOrio present their time-honored holiday tradition, A Feast of Carols. Featuring Timberdale Brass, organist Andy Kotylo, and pianist Ting Ting Wong. Two performances: 2pm and 5pm More information at mcchorus.org.
audio
I held a rose on Christmas Day
performances
Recorded virtually by Abigail Chapman, soprano, and Ting Ting Wong, piano.
"A Feast of Carols" - Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia, Dominick DiOrio, artistic director - St. Paul's Episcopal Church - Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA
commission and dedication
Commissioned by the Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia Board of Directors for the 2020 Holiday Fundraiser. Dedicated to and gifted in honor of Board Chair Charlotte E. Sibley, with admiration and gratitude for her visionary leadership, generosity, kindness, sharp wit, and warm humor.
text
I held a rose on Christmas Day
Original text by the composer.
I held a rose on Christmas Day,
Prickèd, precious, all white with thorn…
What wonder does your blossom hold?
I held a bird on Christmas Day,
Fragile, freezing, not yet in flight…
What story has your song foretold?
I held a ring on Christmas Day,
Prescient promise, new joy yet born…
What oath and bond have you made gold?
I held your heart on Christmas Day,
Humble, wholesome, your warmth, your light…
With ease, your love casts out the cold.
Copyright © 2020 Dominick DiOrio. All rights reserved.
information
events
A FEAST OF CAROLS
Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 22 East Chestnut Hill Ave, Philadelphia, PA
2:00 pm
The Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia and artistic director Dominick DiOrio present their time-honored holiday tradition, A Feast of Carols. Featuring Timberdale Brass, organist Andy Kotylo, and pianist Ting Ting Wong. Two performances: 2pm and 5pm More information at mcchorus.org.
audio
I held a rose on Christmas Day
performances
Recorded virtually by Abigail Chapman, soprano, and Ting Ting Wong, piano.
"A Feast of Carols" - Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia, Dominick DiOrio, artistic director - St. Paul's Episcopal Church - Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA
press
commission and dedication
Commissioned by the Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia Board of Directors for the 2020 Holiday Fundraiser. Dedicated to and gifted in honor of Board Chair Charlotte E. Sibley, with admiration and gratitude for her visionary leadership, generosity, kindness, sharp wit, and warm humor.
text
I held a rose on Christmas Day
Original text by the composer.
I held a rose on Christmas Day,
Prickèd, precious, all white with thorn…
What wonder does your blossom hold?
I held a bird on Christmas Day,
Fragile, freezing, not yet in flight…
What story has your song foretold?
I held a ring on Christmas Day,
Prescient promise, new joy yet born…
What oath and bond have you made gold?
I held your heart on Christmas Day,
Humble, wholesome, your warmth, your light…
With ease, your love casts out the cold.
Copyright © 2020 Dominick DiOrio. All rights reserved.
