2022 Christmas Cantata Program Book

Greetings from the Founder

Dear Christmas Cantata Guest, As the founder of Gracias Christmas Cantata and awardwinning Gracias Choir & Orchestra, I can’t tell you how excited I am this unique, uplifting, and life-changing event is being presented across the United States in 2022.

This is our 10th anniversary of the Gracias Choir performing across North America. Our most recent nationwide tour—a 28-city run in 2019—brought over 130,000 attendees, from Vancouver to Miami, New Jersey to Los Angeles, and so many places in between.

We’ve reunited families, inspired young artists, and continue to spread the love of God to those who need hope. And I pray that Christmas Cantata gives you all of these gifts, and so much more

You have my word—we will always do our very best to bring the joy to you.

Best wishes ,

Pastor Ock Soo Park Founder of Gracias Choir

Act 1 - Opera For

Unto You Is Born a Savior

Travel back to the city of Bethlehem, 2,000 years ago, at a time when the Israelites continue to wait for the Messiah who will liberate them from the tyranny and exploitation of the Roman Empire. Baby Jesus, the main character of Christmas, is born in a cold and lowly manger. This opera stage is composed of a medley of re-imagined Christmas classics.

Repertory

• At the Kingdom of Herod

• O Come, O Come Emmanuel

• No Room for the Baby at Bethlehem’s Inn

• Carol of the Kings

• Christmas Lullaby

• The First Noel

Special Performance: Little Santas

Act 2 - Musical The Gift of the Magi

Jim presents his wife a hair pin as a gift, after pawning his gold watch, a family heirloom. Della sells her hair to give her husband a wristwatch as a gift. The couple gives up the things most precious to them, but they feel true happiness doing so.

This is a warm family musical, created from O. Henry’s short story, “The Gift of the Magi.” You will be full of the Christmas spirit as Gracias Choir sings carols such as “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”, “Silver Bells”, and “White Christmas.”

Repertory

• It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

• It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

• That’s What I Want for Christmas

• White Christmas

• Jingle Bells

Special Message

Act 3 - Chorus

G.F. Handel’s Oratorio ‘‘Messiah’’

“Messiah,” is Hebrew for, “the anointed one,” and, “Savior.” Handel’s “Messiah” portrays the life of Jesus in three parts. First, “Prophecy and Birth,” second, “Tribulation and Redemption,” and third, “Resurrection and Eternal Life.” After finishing this oratorio, Handel cried, saying, “I saw God,” and presented the greatest and most memorable gift to the soul of mankind: “Messiah.” “Messiah” is adored around the world and has created a great musical legacy. Interpreted through the beautiful harmonies of Gracias Choir and Orchestra, Act III proves to be a time for deep reflection and overwhelming joy.

Repertory

• No. 12 Chorus: For Unto Us a Child Is Born

A majestic expression that represents the climactic prophecy of the birth of Christ as it announces and congratulates the birth of a king.

• No. 17 Chorus: Glory to God in the Highest

A chorus that praises His Majesty–the Lord and the Father who is the King of eternal peace.

• No. 44 Chorus: Hallelujah

The most well-known piece of the oratorio. King George II was deeply touched after listening to this piece and gave a standing ovation during the first ever performance in Covent Garden, London. Even today, audiences rise from their seats when “Hallelujah” is performed.

Main Events

Gracias Christmas Cantata

This show-stopping musical event has been performed on countless stages, including Sydney Opera House, the Masonic of Detroit, and Madison Square Garden, and in front of presidents, mayors, and national ministries. Gracias Christmas Cantata is presented in 3 stages that feature cherished hymns, Christmas carols, and Handel’s Messiah Oratorio.

Artist Concert

Presented by Gracias Choir and IYF, this event makes classical music accessible to young people. There is a deep and mysterious world of music flowing in the hearts of famous musicians. Artist Concert offers youths an intimate look into that beautiful world.

Gracias Easter Cantata

A moving musical reenactment of the last moments in the life of Jesus Christ and His eventual resurrection into glory. Gracias Easter Cantata depicts the celebration of His resurrection, the path to true repentance, and our eternal redemption from sin.

Music Outreach

Gracias Choir dedicates much of its time and energy to taking the power of music to remote areas of the world in the forms of education, awareness, ministry, and performance. They visit select countries in Africa, rural areas of Haiti, and South American regions like the Amazon.

FIRST PRIZE

14th International Choir Competition Marktoberdorf

GERMANY 2015

GRAND PRIZE

Riva del Garda International Choral Competition

ITALY 2014

FIRST PRIZE

Montreux Choral Festival

SWITZERLAND 2014

The Gracias Choir performs a wide variety of genres of music, including music from the Renaissance as well as modern music. They have been awarded the highest prizes in the world’s most prestigious choral competitions, and their excellence has been recognized on renowned stages all across the world.

The Gracias Choir has performed to presidents of many countries as well as to youths in remote spots across the world. They provide relief music concerts for the youth and also bring a celebration of humanity and culture. The Gracias Choir has also established music schools in underdeveloped countries to instill hopes and dreams for music to underprivileged youths.

Notable Performances and Milestones

- Concert at the Carnegie Hall, New York

- 1st Prize, 14th International Chamber Choir Competition Marktoberdorf in Germany

- 1st Prize in Mixed Choir, Public Prize, 50th Montreux Choral Festival in Switzerland

- Grand Prize, 13th Italy Riva del garda Choir Competiton

- Guest appearance in International Choral Festival in Beijing, China

- Grand Prize in Mixed Chorus 2010 Busan Choral Festival & Competition

- Concert at the Haydn Hall in Eisenstadt, Austria

- Performed in Sydney Opera House, Australia

- Performed in Madison Square Garden, New York

- Establishment

Profiles

Chief Conductor Boris Abalyan Honored Artist of Russia

. Founded Lege Artis Chamber Choir

. Prize for Best Conductor at the 1999 International Chamber Choir Competition in Markoberdorf, Germany

. Professor of Choral Conducting at St. Petersburg National Conservatory

Mr. Boris Abalyan was born in Bobruisk, Russia in 1947. He received his masters and doctorate degrees from Rimsky-Korsakov St. Petersburg Conservatory in Choral Conducting. Maestro Abalyan is known for cultivating perfect harmonies and igniting his groups with vibrant energy on stage.

Choir Director Eun Sook Park

Eun Sook Park graduated as salutatorian from the St. Petersburg National Conservatory. She is the first Asian person to accomplish this academic milestone. She pursues elegant and detailed choral music with precise sounds and rich emotion. Park is a “Creative Artist” who leads each Gracias Choir member to fulfill their potential and passion.

Soprano Soloist Soo Yeon Lee (Principal Soloist)

A well-rounded soprano with a stunning voice described as “The Messenger of the Soul.” Her acting and musicality are impeccable and she has a mesmerizing stage presence. Lee has performed domestically and internationally in venues such as the Sydney Opera House and Madison Square Garden and has been adored by her audiences, worldwide.

Soprano Soloist Hye Mi Choi (Principal Soloist)

Choi has a talent to grab hold of her audiences with her clear and soft tone which resonates from the bottom of her heart. Her music has proven heart-transforming power.

Tenor Soloist Tae Jik Woo (Principal Soloist)

With every performance, Woo brings great sensibility, a powerful voice, and imaginative expression. His unique and beautiful high tone is praised by many musicians. The beauty of his voice is undeniable.

Special performance during the 14th International Choral Music Competition Marktoberdorf

Private performance for the President of Paraguay at the Presidential Palace

Performing at the Peru National Congress

Gracias Choir soloists performing a special mini-concert for the President of Kenya

Gracias Choir members perform for Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare of Solomon Islands

Gracias Choir performing at the National Prayer Meeting in Uganda in front of 100,000 attendees

Performance commemorating the 200th Year Anniversary of the Death of Haydn, Austria

Performance at Sydney Opera House

Winner of the First Prize at the 14th Marktoberdorf Choral Competition in Germany

Gracias Choir members perform for the President of Benin at the ground-breaking ceremony for the construcion of the IYF Center

Gracias Choir members sing the national anthem for the President of Zambia at the ground-breaking ceremony for the IYF Center

ITALIAN RESTAURANT