Friday, December 7, 2018 Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King
Celebrating 15 years of Canada’s Catholic Television Network
OUR MISSION is to proclaim Jesus Christ and the joy of the Gospel by telling stories of hope that bring people closer to Christ and the Catholic faith in Canada and around the world.
The Birth of Christ will premiere on Salt and Light TV Sunday, December 16th at 8:00pm ET REPEAT: Thursday, December 20th 8:30pm ET Please share this with your friends and family. For channel details, see saltandlighttv.org/subscribe A free will offering will be collected at the end of the performance to support the work of Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation. Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $25 and up. Thank you for your support. TELEVISION
. RADIO . PRINT . ONLINE MEDIA
Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation 250 Davisville Ave., Suite 300 Toronto, ON M4S 1H2 saltandlighttv.org Registered Charity # 88523 6000 RR0001
Message from the CEO Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation
Dear friends, Born in July 2003 on the wings of the memorable World Youth Day 2002 in Canada, Salt and Light TV, Canada’s first national Catholic television channel is celebrating its 15th anniversary. Our small media operation, the fruit of the dreams and labours of Gaetano Gagliano and his family, has grown into a highly-developed media network airing programming in several languages, predominantly in English, along with several French programs airing under the brand Télévision Sel et Lumière as well as Italian and Chinese programs in both Cantonese and Mandarin. Our mission is to proclaim Jesus Christ and the joy of the Gospel by telling stories of hope through numerous media platforms, including TV, radio, print, online and social media in Canada and around the world. Our work unites people together through prayer, celebration, reflection, education, authentic dialogue and enquiry, thought-provoking reporting, and stories of faith and action. We also challenge believers to grow in the knowledge of the faith and the Catholic tradition in its many expressions. We strive to offer an invitation to all peoples, especially those on the peripheries of faith and the Church, to draw closer to the Lord and experience the community of the Church. I could think of no more fitting way to mark our 15th Anniversary Year of the Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation than hosting the Canadian premiere of The Birth of Christ in the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King in Hamilton, Ontario. I am very grateful to Andrew T. Miller, the composer of this fully-orchestrated Christmas cantata, for allowing us to present this masterpiece to you this evening and to our television audience, premiering on Sunday evening, December 16th at 8:00 pm on Salt and Light Catholic Television network. Andrew T. Miller is an internationally-acclaimed composer, performer, Sony Masterworks artist, and Steinway artist. He is also the founding director of two Tacoma-area music studios (Vine Court Studios and Norpoint Music School) in Washington State.
I am very grateful to our friends at Masterworks of Oakville, under the brilliant leadership of Charles Demuynck, for bringing The Birth of Christ to life for a Canadian audience. Over the years, the community-based musical group of Masterworks has grown into a renowned group of musicians, singers and artists dedicated to performing the great works of the Western Classical tradition and sacred works for choir and orchestra. Masterworks exists by virtue of the enthusiasm of its choristers and orchestra players, which is the hallmark of its performances like the one we will experience this evening. In a 2013 Advent Venite Adoremus concert for Salt and Light, Masterworks performed for us Bach’s and Rutter’s Magnificats in the Koerner Concert Hall in Toronto. The biblical Christmas narrative is the story of how God sent His son, Jesus, to us as a child. Most Christians know the rest of the Gospels as the foundation of their faith – Jesus grew to adulthood, lived a human life not unlike ours, performed miracles, gathered followers, was the example of how to live, endured many of the trials we do on earth, gave himself freely for our sins, suffered death, and finally rose from the dead after three days, opening the gates of heaven for all who believe. The Advent and Christmas seasons help us to remember Jesus’ origins. It becomes clear to us that the story of the birth of a baby in Bethlehem was no idyllic country folk tale. It was the true fulfillment of the hopes and longings, dreams and desires of the people of ancient Israel. The Birth of Christ helps us to be attentive to the words of the prophets, to the dream of Joseph, and the promise of the eternal God that takes flesh in the womb of the Virgin.
The child Jesus came to us as a helpless and defenseless little baby. He was not born to nobility. He did not come to the throng of cheering crowds. He did not come as a conquering hero. He was born to a young and vulnerable woman and a carpenter who both said “yes” to God’s call. He came for each and every one of us. In addition to a full orchestra and choir, we are graced tonight with six very talented soloists who introduce us to the awesome story of Christ’s birth. We are blessed and privileged to have a very special narrator among us to tell that ancient story once again: Rosa Flores, distinguished journalist and television host of the Cable News Network in the United States. My deepest gratitude to Most Rev. Douglas Crosby, OMI, Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton, and Rev. David Wynen, rector of this splendid Cathedral Basilica, for opening wide the doors of their hearts and homes to Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation since our earliest days 15 years ago. Without their generosity, we would not be here this evening! Many thanks to Flower Deco in Oakville for the soloist bouquets and Michael Remenyi of Remenyi House of Music in Toronto for providing the grand piano for this evening’s performance. Finally, we remember with gratitude and affection the late Linda Pippy in whose memory this Christmas cantata is presented this evening. Linda was a loyal and faithful friend and supporter of the Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation from our beginning. To Linda’s husband, Tom, a member of our Salt and Light Board of Directors, our deepest thanks for making this evening’s cantata possible! A free will offering will be collected at the end of this evening’s performance to help support the important media ministry of the Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation. On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff, interns, and volunteers, I thank you for being with us this evening. May tonight’s performance inspire you and usher in this Christmas season with a renewed sense of wonder, awe, and hearts filled with gratitude to God for the Birth of Christ.
Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB CEO, Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation
Synopsis THE BIRTH OF CHRIST tells the Christmas story according to the Gospel of Luke.
I. II. III. IV. V.
One Blessed Night The Annunciation of John The Annunciation of Christ The Visitation Mary’s Canticle
VI.
The Birth of John
Intermission – Salt and Light Awards Presentation VII. Zechariah’s Canticle VIII. Journey of Bethlehem IX. The Birth of Christ X. A Shepherd’s Song XI. Epilogue
Wishing you a blessed Advent and a Merry Christmas filled with love and joy!
www.novalis.ca
Rosa Flores Narrator
Rosa Flores earned a Bachelor’s degrees in broadcast journalism and business administration, and a Master’s degree in accounting at the University of Texas at Austin. Before joining the Cable News Network, she anchored the evening newscast at WBRZ-TV, the ABC affiliate in Baton Rouge. Starting in September 2007, she reported for KHOU-TV, the CBS affiliate in Houston and started her career in TV reporting at KWTV–TV in Oklahoma City. She joined CNN in 2013 and was based in New York City for two years and Chicago for two years. Rosa Flores is currently a CNN correspondent based in Miami. She has covered domestic news stories across the U.S. and Puerto Rico and international news stories in over 10 countries for CNN’s TV and digital platforms. Rosa has traveled with Pope Francis aboard the papal plane during his visits to the United States, Cuba, Mexico, Chile, and Peru. She also traveled to Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay to cover Francis’ first visit to his native South America. She will be with the Pope on his upcoming visit to Panama for World Youth Day 2019 in January. In 2014, she spent more than two weeks in Mexico’s southern state of Guerrero covering the disappearance of the 43 missing students of Ayotzinapa. Her coverage landed her the National Association of Hispanic Journalists’ Large Market Television Hard News Award. Flores also worked with CNN’s Documentary Unit on a one-hour CNN Special Report called “A Miner Miracle, Five years after the Chilean Rescue.” She traveled to Chile in 2015 to revisit the stories of the 33 Chilean miners who were trapped in a mine for 69 days in 2010. Rosa’s project “Disappearing Front Porch,” which gave a voice to children in Chicago who are caught in the crosshairs of violence was awarded the “Online Project: News” by the National Association of Black Journalists. In 2017, she was awarded the John Jay/H.F. Guggenheim Center on Media, Crime and Justice Reporting Fellowship.
FLOWER DECO 35 LAKESHORE RD W OAKVILLE, ON L6K 1C8 905-337-0968
www.flowerdeco.ca
Masterworks of Oakville In the spring of 2000, Joyce Sitarski invited Charles Demuynck and the Oakville Chamber Orchestra to be part of the Messiah concert at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church (as part of the St. Andrew’s Concert Series). Under the leadership of Joyce, choirs from across Oakville were contacted to bring choristers together for this performance. This can be regarded as the seminal project which eventually developed into Masterworks. There was a gap of 5 years until the next concert, while Charles was teaching at universities in Indiana and Louisiana. Upon his return in April 2005, St. Andrew Concert Series again produced Messiah, with the leadership of Joyce Sitarski. Since then Masterworks activities have accelerated greatly. Masterworks is a community-based group, dedicated to performing the great works of the Western Classical tradition, particularly sacred works for choir and orchestra. It has a strong commitment to artistic excellence and is proud to preserve and continue a great musical tradition.
Charles Demuynck Music Director, Masterworks Charles Demuynck is the founding Artistic Director of Masterworks of Oakville. He has guest-conducted extensively in Europe and the U.S. and with many fine orchestras in Canada. His CD of Beethoven’s Symphony #8 and Brahms’ Piano Concerto #2 with pianist Garnet Ungar and the Varna Philharmonic is on the Americus label. Maestro Demuynck’s previous posts include: Music Director of the Brampton Symphony Orchestra and City Centre Musical Productions (Mississauga), Assistant Conductor of the Knoxville (TN) Symphony, Music Director, NatchitochesNorthwestern Symphony Orchestra (LA), Director of Orchestras at the University of Evansville (IN), and Conducting Apprentice of the Hartford Symphony. He is the Music Director of the Oakville Chamber Orchestra, and at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Oakville. A native of Dawson Creek, B.C., Charles Demuynck holds a doctorate in conducting from the Hartt School in Hartford, Conn. He also holds conducting degrees from the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore and the University of Toronto. In addition, he is an active composer, and his works have been performed on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border.
Message from the Maestro As the soloists, chorus, and orchestra have come to learn Mr. Miller’s work, we have come to love its soaring, heartfelt melodies, and its wonderful orchestration and harmonies. As a group we are bubbling over with enthusiasm to perform this modern classic for you tonight. We know that you will immediately love it as much as we do. The Birth of Christ is a timeless exploration of the meaning of the Advent story, about how our Saviour came to be born. Its combination of spiritual meaning, amplified by great music, is truly special. I’d like to thank Father Rosica for his tireless commitment to this project, as well as his team at Salt and Light, all the performers, Masterworks’ Board of Directors and staff, and our stage crew who work so hard behind the scenes. Thank you for joining us for the Canadian Premiere of Andrew T. Miller’s The Birth of Christ!
Christopher Fischer Tenor - Gabriel Tenor Christopher Fischer has earned a reputation as an intelligent, flexible, and sensitive performer on the concert stage, in repertoire ranging from Allegri to Zelenka. He holds degrees (BMus and MMus) in music performance and education from Wilfrid Laurier University and Arizona State University, as well as the Associate diploma (ARCCO) from the Royal Canadian College of Organists.
Ariel Harwood-Jones Soprano - Mary Winnipeg-born soprano, Ariel Harwood-Jones, has sung with such organizations as the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Canadian Brass, the Elora Festival Singers, the Elmer Iseler Singers, Nexus, and Toronto Consort. Since 2016, Ariel has been putting her hand to developing a new Early Music group, Kammerchor London, where she performs, manages, and directs. She is also a piano technician, currently on contract to Western University.
Bradley Christensen Baritone - Joseph New Zealand-born baritone Bradley Christensen has been garnering an excellent reputation in Canada and abroad. Equally as comfortable on both concert and operatic stages, Bradley has continued to earn praise for his “most well-rounded instrument... focused, rich, and sympathetically communicative” (Natasha Gautier, Ottawa Citizen), and “his imposing height, handsome stage presence and attractive lyric baritone” (Joseph So, Opera Canada).
Cassandra Warner Mezzo-soprano - Elizabeth Hailed by critics as a “powerful mezzo” and a “sensory epiphany”, professional Canadian mezzo soprano Cassandra Warner has garnered international acclaim. Cassandra has appeared with such high profile companies as Vancouver Opera, Calgary Opera, and Opera Atelier.
Michael York Baritone - Zechariah Known for his strong voice and dramatic presence, baritone Michael York has recently sung the title role of Mephistopheles in Loose Tea’s acclaimed transadaption of Gounod’s Faust. He has also succeeded in lighter fare with roles in Toronto Operetta Theatre’s premier production of Earnest, the Importance of Being, and Sgt. Malone in Wish Opera’s production of Rosemarie.
Zach Finkelstein Tenor - Shepherd American-Canadian Zach Finkelstein has quickly established himself as a leading tenor soloist in North America and abroad. Zach’s debut album, ‘Britten and Pears: the Canticles’, was launched on October 1st, 2017, on Scribe Records. In the concert world, Zach is known for his “refined” and “elegant” (Vancouver Observer) interpretation of the works of Bach, Mozart, and Handel, among others.
Orchestra List 1st Violin
Viola
Principal
Principal
Amanda Duggan Igor Kubelik Olga Petrashkevich Catherine Cosbey Alexander Pankratov Bozena Szubert
Barry Seligman Caitlin Boyle
Oboe
Cello
Horn
Al Bouvier,
2nd Violin
Alexander Gangurean, Principal
Kyung-Ah Jang Leslie Ashworth Brigitte Cormier Renata Vidri Karlene Wong
Valentina Tchaikovsky,
Beata Csuka David Rodrigo Andreas Zbogar Miriam Castellanos
Bass
David Gustilov Tim Fitzgerald
Percussion
Stefan Kitai Austin Lamarche
Harp Kristen Theriault
Hazel Boyle
Michael Hindrichs Kelly Kaddatz Amanda Bolger Tina Shapero
Trombone Jürgen Kalzer Glenn Beard
Organ & Piano Ronald Greidanus
Choir List Sopranos
Altos
Tenors
Donna Baker Linda Baldwin Linda Cooke Kathy Fitzgerald Sara Hay Lynne Hieminga Ruth Hopkins Susan Lindsay Marlene Lynds Andree Masse Kelly McLaughlin Cathy Minnaar Carmen Montminy Jill Morris Pat O’Sullivan Michele Ross Lily Snyder Sharon Stevens-Lay Pam Thompson
Shevawn Adams Jean Barber Fran Barton Johanna Boffa Denise Bradden Myfanwy Burbidge Pamela Dedic Pat Freedman Kim Gordon Cindy Kaji Avril Kruger Vera Kubelikova Silke Lambert Clara McLaughlin Terry Murphy Pamela O’Shea Julie Paquet Melba Pastor Edith Peters Linda Rafuse Annette Robers Julie Service Joyce Sitarski Diana Wey Eva Wilkie Carolyn Williams Sharon Wong
Jeff Buchyns Don Cangiano Michael Chang Andrew Cripps Andrew Dorrington Chris Evans Rob Harason John Hicks Rudy Knispel Brian Sutherland Paul Welsh
Basses Bryce Atkinson Peter Barber Dion Church Bruce Disher Brian Foster Art Grierson Neil Haddon Michael Johnson Stephen Johnson Peter Lorimer Bruce Nelson Doug Parsons Jim Service Anthony Ward-Smith Bob Whittall
Salt and Light Awards This evening we have the privilege of presenting three awards during the intermission of the Christmas cantata The Birth of Christ.
“Lover of Life” Award In 2011, Salt and Light Television inaugurated a special award honouring persons who play an important role in promoting the consistent ethic of life and the sacredness of family life. The “Lover of Life” was the title given by then-Milanese Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, SJ, to a remarkable young Italian woman, mother of a family and medical doctor of his diocese. Cardinal Martini described Gianna Beretta Molla as a “woman, doctor and lover of life” at the time of her beatification in 1994. Blessed Gianna Beretta Molla was canonized by St. John Paul II on May 16, 2004. Gianna’s was the last canonization of Pope John Paul II. We chose St. Gianna as the patron saint of our network at our foundation in 2003. Our first “Lover of Life” award was presented to Vince and Joanne Verduci of Brampton, Ontario, for their leadership and tremendous efforts in caring for young pregnant women in crisis. They modeled their efforts on the example of charity lived by St. Gianna Beretta Molla. In 2012, the “Lover of Life” award was presented to Bosco Chan, who was instrumental in establishing the Chinese department of Salt and Light Television. Bosco and his wife, Melissa, are parents of five children. Bosco is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation. In 2013, the “Lover of Life” award was presented to Alex and Mary Banga of Regina, Saskatchewan. The Bangas are an extraordinary Catholic couple deeply committed to the cause of human life and have been eloquent witnesses to the consistent ethic of life and family.
In 2015, the award was presented to the well-known Leahy Family of musicians and singers from Lakefield, Ontario. This Canadian family, headed by the late Frank Leahy and his wife Julia, passed on to their children traditional, Celtic instrumental music and step-dancing in the Irish, Scottish, French-Canadian, and Cape Breton traditions. In 2017, the “Lover of Life” award was presented to the family of Laurent and Florence Le Bourgeois of Versailles, France. They are parents of 12 children and their son, Charles, has been a producer in the French Department of Salt and Light Television since 2012. In 2018, at the conclusion of our 15th anniversary year, we are proud to present two “Lover of Life” awards. The first award is presented to the Diocese of Hamilton and Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, OMI, in recognition of this diocese’s clear, consistent, and joyful presentation of Pope Francis’ teaching on the dignity of human life, from conception to natural death, marriage and family life. The second “Lover of Life” award this year is presented to Gillian and David Kantor. Gillian worked on our Salt and Light staff as writer and producer for five years. Prior to her time with us, she served as youth editor of the Catholic Register and also coordinated volunteer activities on the National Staff of World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto and World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney, Australia. She continues to write freelance for Salt and Light Television. She and her husband David, an environmental engineer, are very involved in their home parish of St. Matthew in Oakville, in this diocese. Gillian and David are now the parents of six children.
May the miracle of Christ’s birth fill your hearts this Christmas season
The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of the Diocese of Hamilton in Ontario Main Office: 600 Spring Gardens Road, Burlington (800) 661-5985 • www.thecatholiccemeteries.ca • @DOHcemeteries
Distinguished Journalist Award Rosa Flores From our earliest days, we have developed close working relationships with the secular media. This has included major television and radio networks as well as print journalists. Among them we have found many colleagues who have modeled professionalism, goodness, and great openness to the Church. The first award was presented in 2017 to Scott Pelley of CBS Network in the USA. This evening we wish to honour Rosa Flores of the Cable News Network (CNN) in the USA with this year’s Distinguished Journalist Award.
The “Ecce” Award Joseph Sinasac Salt and Light Television Network has established an award to be given out each year to a Catholic journalist and communicator. We have named it the “Ecce” award. We frequently translate the word into English with “Behold.” It conveys a deeper meaning than the rather simple “this is.” “Behold” carries a connotation of contemplation and wonder. We use the word when confronted with a thing of wonder or great beauty. “Behold” is also an affirmation of fact, but it also contains within it an invitation to focus on the other. An authentic Catholic journalist and communicator never draws attention to himself or herself but serves the truth in charity. An authentic Catholic journalist is a professional who always sheds light on the other, and never on himself or herself. The first award in 2017 was presented to Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, former director of the Holy See Press Office, the Vatican Television Centre and Vatican Radio. Fr. Lombardi is now the President of the Joseph Ratzinger-Pope Benedict Foundation at the Vatican. This year’s award is presented to Joseph Sinasac, publishing director of Novalis and past President of the Association of Roman Catholic Communicators of Canada. Joe is one of the most accomplished and well-known Catholic journalists in North America today. A native of the Hamilton diocese, Joe served as editor and publisher of Toronto’s Catholic Register prior to becoming editorial director of Novalis. One of his most significant accomplishments at the Catholic Register was the establishment of the “Youth Speak News” page and program for young journalists. A recipient of numerous awards from the Catholic Press Association and Canadian Church Press, Joe’s stellar and creative work in the area of writing, editing, authoring, broadcasting, publishing and management of Catholic media operations has gained for him great respect and admiration around the world.
Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation Board of Directors Tony Gagliano Executive Chairman Rev. Thomas Rosica, CSB Chief Executive Officer John Gagliano Director Julie Di Lorenzo Director Jenny Coco Director Vincent Verduci Director Bosco Chan Director Thomas Pippy Director Elio R. Luongo Director
Masterworks of Oakville
Chorus & Orchestra
Board of Directors Avril Kruger President Myfanwy Burbidge Secretary Sharon Wong Treasurer Donna Baker Member-at-Large Virginia Barsenbach Member-at-Large John Gooch Orchestra Representative Terry Murphy Youth Mentoring Program Joyce Sitarski Founder and Member-at-Large Brian Sutherland Member-at-Large Pat O’Sullivan Member-at-Large Chris Evans Member-at-Large
Ex Officio Members Charles Demuynck Artistic Director Stacey Sinclair General Manager
The Birth of Christ Event Sponsors Thomas Pippy in memory of Linda Pippy
FLOWER DECO
Masterworks of Oakville Chorus & Orchestra Corporate Sponsors
Masterworks Wishes to Thank Their Donors Alan Wheable, Andrew Hammond, Avril Kruger, Bruce Nelson, Carolyn & Frank Kschischang, Detlef Lambert, Helen Debenham, Howard & Linda Rafuse, John Ison, Joyce Sitarski, Katherine Fitzgerald, Kevin Flynn, Myfanwy Burbidge, Pamela Thompson, Patricia O’Sullivan, Richard Schulte, Rima Danielius, Ruth De Winter, Ruth Hopkins, Sharon Wong, Stacey Sinclair, Vera Kubelikova
Special Thanks to Most Rev. Douglas Crosby, OMI, Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton and Rev. David Wynen, Rector of the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King
Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation 250 Davisville Ave., Suite 300 Toronto, ON M4S 1H2 Saltandlighttv.org 1-888-302-7181 Registered Charity # 88523 6000 RR0001