‘A Chorale Christmas’ this year will be conducted by Dr Jace Koholokula Saplan, Director of Choral Studies at ASU.
“I am thrilled that Phoenix Chorale audiences will be able to engage with Dr Jace Kaholokula Saplan as they prepare and direct the ensemble for our 2023 Holiday Series”, says Artistic Director Christopher Gabbitas. “Dr Saplan is a shining light in the choral field, building an impressive program at ASU as well as being highly in demand as a clinician, animateur, director and speaker with numerous ensembles and at many and varied symposia across the United States and beyond. They speak and work with authenticity across a spectrum of choral repertoire, with a thoughtful approach towards music from all origins, delivering performances filled with charisma, poise and energy. This is definitely an experience not to be missed.”
Says Jace Saplan, “My hope is to present a winter snow globe to our Arizona community. Growing up in Hawai’i with parents from Native Hawaiian, Filipino, and Chinese backgrounds, the winter holiday season was a delightful tapestry of cultures and soundworlds. For many of us, this season is a returning and re-centering to what home is, and I hope this program provides a home for all of us— no matter where we are situated in the snow globe of life.”
In recent seasons, Phoenix Chorale’s has welcomed esteemed guest conductors for Christmas such as Drs Anton Armstrong in 2018 and André Thomas in 2019, each bringing their own unique take on choral literature to our annual celebration.
A Chorale Christmas – December 15, 16, 17, 18, 2023