Songs of the Season: A Choral Celebration of Christmas
On November 21, the Grant Park Music Festival's latest recording will be available to stream. The much-anticipated album, Songs of the Season: A Choral Celebration of Christmas, features the acclaimed Grant Park Chorus under the masterful direction of Chorus Director Christopher Bell.
This heartfelt collection of carols and contemporary choral favorites captures the spirit of Christmas through radiant harmonies, timeless melodies and the Grant Park Chorus’ signature artistry. From the quiet reflection of Silent Night and In The Bleak Midwinter to the shimmering mystery of O Magnum Mysterium, the album offers movements of both serenity and joy. Beloved traditional melodies like The Holly and the Ivy sparkle alongside classics like Jesus Christ the Apple Tree.
Enjoy on all major streaming platforms on Friday, November 21.
'Til then, have yourself a merry little listen to a sneak peek from the album, the lyrical and moving Veni, Veni Emmanuel.
Track List
Jesus Christ the Apple Tree - Elizabeth Poston
The Holly and the Ivy - Virgil Thomson
Veni, Veni Emmanuel - arr. Michael John Trotta
In the Bleak Midwinter - Becky McGlade
Silent Night - arr. Dede Duson
O Magnum Mysterium - Tomás Luis de Victoria
O Magnum Mysterium - Morten Lauridsen
Fum, Fum, Fum - arr. Alice Parker and Robert Shaw
The Huron Carol - arr. Eleanor Daley
The Wexford Carol - arr. Matthew Culloton
Lully, Lulla, Thou Little Tiny Child - Kenneth Leighton
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly - arr. Matthew Culloton
“It’s a wonderful combination of rarely heard gems along with popular works that show off the technical excellence of the chorus,” said Christopher Bell. “Each track is superbly done, making the album a perfect addition to anyone’s holiday gathering.”
The album was recorded on June 26 and 30, 2025 at Chicago’s South Shore Cultural Center and the Buchanan Chapel at Fourth Presbyterian Church, and is produced by the Grant Park Music Festival. The album will be released on Lexicon Classics, with Associate Producers Chris Collins and Carlos Javier, and Audio Engineer Christopher Willis.
About the Grant Park Chorus
Founded by Chicago’s Grant Park Music Festival in 1962, the Grant Park Chorus is an acclaimed ensemble comprised of a core group of sixty-two exceptional vocalists. Highly esteemed in the professional choral community, the ensemble has been the recipient of Chorus America’s prestigious Margaret Hillis Award for artistic excellence. Beyond their acclaimed work, chorus members maintain busy careers with frequent solo appearances and teaching roles, and perform with other major ensembles, including Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Chicago Symphony Chorus.
About Chorus Director Christopher Bell
In 2026, Christopher Bell begins his 25th season as the Director of the Grant Park Chorus. Since his arrival, he has been the artistic force behind the ensemble's critically acclaimed recordings and performances. His tenure has brought the chorus international recognition and earned Bell himself the Michael Korn Founders Award for the Development of the Professional Choral Art. Largely responsible for the formation of the National Youth Choirs of Scotland, Bell is highly regarded for his extensive work with the Edinburgh Festival and major ensembles like the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Chorus and the Ulster Orchestra, the two-time honorary doctorate recipient is widely recognized as a choral leader dedicated to both professional excellence and the future of the art form.