AMC | Dec 2024 by Schwartz Center for Performing Arts

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2024 | 8PM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2024 | 8PM

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2024 | 4PM

SCHWARTZ CENTER for PERFORMING ARTS

presents CHRISTMAS with ATLANTA MASTER CHORALE

ERIC NELSON, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

GUEST CONDUCTORS: JON EASTER

CAITLIN NORTON

MEGAN SCHUITEMA

KATIE DIAL

MEG GRANUM GURTCHEFF

SAMUEL POTTS

JUSTIN MAXEY, PIANO

JON EASTER, ORGAN

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2024 | 8PM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2024 | 8PM

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2024 | 4PM

Emerson Concert Hall

Schwartz Center for Performing Arts

Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta Master Chorale proudly marks our 40th anniversary this season, continuing our legacy of crafting one of America's finest choral sounds and bringing singers and audiences to a place "where music touches spirit."

Over the past four decades, we have been known as the Gwinnett Festival Singers, Atlanta Sacred Chorale, and now Atlanta Master Chorale. While there have been many transformations through the years, our mission to sing at the highest level of choral artistry remains.

ARTISTIC HIGHLIGHTS

• Evolved into an auditioned metro-area choir performing 4-5 concert programs each year in the same venue

• Included a repertoire of more than 100 pieces every year from diverse genres and periods

• Performed accompanied and a cappella programs, including collaboration with organ, chamber and full orchestras, a bluegrass band, a sitar and tabla, and many other guest instrumentalists

• Created a choral series that has grown to 23 pieces, published by MorningStar Music/ECS Publishing Group

• Commissioned and premiered 8 new choral works and produced 18 recordings (available on CD and digitally)

• Developed a choral composition competition in 2024 that attracted over 400 applications and 250 submissions

• Achieved national recognition for our choral artistry, including live performances for national audiences at the 2017 American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) National Convention and the 2024 Chorus America Convention

• Launched our YouTube channel in 2014, which now has 8,000 subscribers, 250 music videos, and 3 million views

ORGANIZATION HIGHLIGHTS

• Became a 501(c)(3) organization with a board of directors that evolved from volunteer choristers into an award-winning professional board with expertise in finance, construction engineering, church music, development, C-suite level business, the performing arts, and law

• Hired a part-time administrative assistant, then a full-time executive director and a part-time administrator

• Created an Atlanta Master Chorale brand across all media and digital channels

• Crafted strategic plans, developed more sophisticated fundraising practices, and pivoted to digital engagement during COVID

• Became a leader among national choral organizations, and sought regularly for workshops and advice within the arts community

Whether this is your first, fourth, or fortieth season, Atlanta Master Chorale welcomes you to this year-long celebration of our successful mission:

To inspire and enrich the lives of our community through the performance of inspirational choral music, to sing at the highest level of choral artistry, and to be a standard of excellence among performing arts organizations.

You can mark this important 40th anniversary with a gift in any amount. May we suggest amounts featuring the number 4: $4, $40, $400, or more? As always, Atlanta Master Chorale thanks you for your past, present, and future support.

To give online, scan the QR code or visit AtlantaMasterChorale.org/Give

You may also mail a donation to:

Atlanta Master Chorale P.O. Box 133201

Atlanta, GA 30333

THANK YOU!

Atlanta Master Chorale is a registered IRS 501(c)(3) organization. Your donation may be tax deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law.

WELCOME to CHERRY LOGAN

EMERSON CONCERT HALL

In consideration, please silence all electronic devices. Audio recording, video recording, and flash photography are prohibited.

The Schwartz Center for Performing Arts is a place where teaching, learning, and performance merge to create a vital arts presence for the entire community. The concert hall was funded by and is named after Atlanta scientist Cherry Logan Emerson who earned a BA and MA from Emory in the 1930s. It houses a 14-ton Werner Wortsman Memorial Organ built by premiere North American builder Daniel Jaeckel, which was installed in 2005.

ACCESSIBILITY: We welcome all guests with special needs. The Schwartz Center for Performing Arts is committed to providing performances and facilities accessible to all. Please direct all accommodation requests to the Schwartz Center Box Office at least 24 hours in advance of the event at 404.727.5050 or by email at BoxOffice@Emory.edu.

PROGRAM

Meg Granum Gurtcheff, Master of Ceremonies

Angels We Have Heard on High........ Traditional French Carol, arr. Donald McCullough (b. 1957)

Wexford Carol ................................................. Traditional Irish Carol, arr. John Rutter (b. 1945) Mark King, Soloist

Sussex Carol.............................................. Traditional English Carol, arr. Ian Crawford (b. 1979)

Child of Light (2020) ............................................................................ Mack Wilberg (b. 1955)

In the Bleak Midwinter.............. Gustav Holst (1874-1934), arr. Alexander L'Estrange (b. 1974)

Ave Maria (1550s)

Robert Parsons (1530-1571)

There Is No Rose of Such Virtue (2015) .............................................. Jonathan Lane (b. 1958)

Solo Quartet: Caitlin Norton, Sylvia Ware, Denny Shin, David Walters

Breath of Heaven ...............................................

Chris Eaton (b. 1958) and Amy Grant (b. 1960) arr. Craig Courtney (b.1948)

Audriana Johnson, Soloist

Christmas Time Is Here ...................

Vince Guaraldi (1928-1976), arr. Robert Sterling (b. 1954)

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! .........Jule Styne (1905-1994), arr. Mark Hayes (b. 1953)

Jingle Bells ............................

James Pierpont (1822-1893), arr. Sir David Willcocks (1919-2015)

AUDIENCE CAROLS

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Deck the Halls

O Come, All Ye Faithful

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas .............................................

Ralph Blane (1914-1995) arr. Molly Ijames (b. 1978)

Toys for a King (2016) ......................................................................

Charles Beaudrot (b. 1951)

Where Shepherds Lately Knelt (1995) ................................................ Craig Courtney (b. 1948)

Casey Bagby, flute

The Quiet Heart (1968) ............................................................................................ June Collin

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling ........ Charles Wesley (1707-1778), arr. Mack Wilberg (b. 1955)

ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH

Traditional French Carol, arr. Donald McCullough

Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o’er the plains, and the mountains in reply Echo back their joyous strains,

Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? Say what may the tidings be, which inspire your heavenly song?

Come to Bethlehem and see, him whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the newborn King.

WEXFORD CAROL

Good people all, this Christmastime, Consider well and bear in mind, What our good God for us has done, In sending his beloved Son.

With Mary holy we should pray To God with love this Christmas Day; In Bethlehem upon that morn, There was a blessed Messiah born.

The night before that happy tide The noble Virgin and her guide Were long time seeking up and down, To find a lodging in the town.

But mark how all things came to pass: From every door repelled, alas! As long foretold, their refuge all, Was but a humble oxen stall.

Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep Their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep;

To whom God’s angels did appear, Which put the shepherds in great fear. “Prepare and go,” the angels said, “To Bethlehem, be not afraid; For there you’ll find, this happy morn, A princely babe, sweet Jesus born.”

With thankful heart and joyful mind The shepherds went the babe to find, And as God’s angel had foretold, They did our Savior Christ behold.

Within a manger he was laid, And by his side the virgin maid, Attending on the Lord of Life, Who came on earth, to end all strife.

Good people all, this Christmastime, Consider well and bear in mind, What our good God for us has done, In sending his beloved Son.

SUSSEX CAROL

On Christmas night all Christians sing, To hear the news the angels bring. News of great joy, news of great mirth, News of our merciful King’s birth.

Then why should men on earth be sad, Since our Redeemer made us glad, When from our sin he set us free, All for to gain our liberty?

When sin departs before his grace, Then life and health come its place, Angels and men with joy may sing, All for to see the newborn King.

All out of darkness we have light, Which made the angels sing this night, Glory to God and peace to men, Now and forever more. Amen.

CHILD OF LIGHT

Music: Mack Wilberg (b. 1955)

Text: David Warner

A breath, a cry, A spark of new and ageless light Is born to us

From reaches felt, beyond our sight

His glance, his gaze, His knowing look so sure and bright Somehow we sense, Within his soul is heaven’s might!

And then we see, This holy child in Mary’s care Is peace and hope And joyous rest beyond compare.

And all around, Poor shepherds feel it too, and thrill To find him here, Laid in a manger, soft and still (as angels told them on the hill)

A pure and perfect paschal lamb, Safe, swaddled seed of Abraham, Our Savior, Lord, the great I AM.

The Child of Light! Foretold to come in Bethlehem, To bloom and grow, The fruit and flower of Jesse’s stem Made known to kings by one bright star, Who journey here from lands afar, And bending down behold his face, Perceive his love, receive his grace, And then confess from soul’s deep well, The truth that tongue can never tell:

He is the Child of Light! Who comes to us, our souls to own, And make us his, That we may know as we are known

This Child of Light Who irrevocably will give, His love, his life, That all of us may always live.

So tell the world And fear be gone!

This Child will lead us home anon And we with him, With ever go on and on…

IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER

Music: Gustav Holst (1874–1934), arr. Alexander L’Estrange (b. 1974)

Text: Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)

In the bleak midwinter, Frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, Water like a stone: Snow had fallen, snow on snow, Snow on snow, In the bleak midwinter, Long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, Nor earth sustain Heaven and earth shall flee away, When He comes to reign, In the bleak midwinter, A stable place sufficed The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

Angels and archangels, May have gathered there, Cherubim and Seraphim, Thronged the air, But only His mother, In her maiden bliss, Worshiped the Beloved, With a kiss.

What can I give Him, Poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise man, I would do my part; Yet what I can, I give Him: give my heart.

AVE MARIA

Music: Robert Parsons (1530–1571)

Text: Traditional Prayer Public Domain | CPDL #54831 | Edited by Jason Smart

Avia Maria, gratia plena, Hail Mary, full of grace, Dominus tecum: the Lord is with you: benedicta tu in mulieribus, blessed are you among women, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus Jesus.

THERE IS NO ROSE OF SUCH VIRTUE

Music: Jonathan Lane (b. 1958)

Text: Traditional

There is no rose of such virtue

As is the rose that bare Jesu; Alleluia (praise the Lord)

For in this rose contained was Heaven and earth in little space; Resmiranda (marvelous thing)

By that rose we may well see That he is God in persons three. Pares forma (of equal form)

The angels sungen the shepherds to: “Gloria in excelsis deo.” (glory to God in the highest)

Gaudeamus (let us rejoice)

Leave we all this worldly mirth, and follow we this joyful birth.

Transeamus (we travel on/let us be changed)

BREATH OF HEAVEN (MARY’S SONG)

Music/Text: Chris Eaton (b. 1958) and Amy Grant (b. 1960), arr. Craig Courtney (b. 1948)

I have traveled many moonless nights

Cold and weary with a babe inside And I wonder what I've done Holy father, you have come And chosen me now to carry your son

I am waiting in a silent prayer

I am frightened by the load I bear

In a world as cold as stone

Must I walk this path alone? Be with me now, be with me now

CHORUS

Breath of heaven, hold me together

Be forever near me, breath of heaven

Breath of heaven, lighten my darkness

Pour over me your holiness for you are holy

Breath of heaven

Do you wonder as you watch my face

If a wiser one should have had my place? But I offer all I am

For the mercy of your plan

Help me be strong, help me be, help me

CHORUS

CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE

Music: Vince Guaraldi (1928–1976), arr. Robert Sterling (b. 1954)

Text: Lee Mendelson (1933–2019)

Christmastime is here, happiness and cheer fun for all that children call their favorite time of year.

Snowflakes in the air, carols everywhere, olden times and ancient rhymes of love and dreams to share.

Sleigh bells in the air, beauty everywhere, yuletide by the fireside and joyful memories there.

Christmastime is here, families drawing near. Oh, that we could always see such spirit through the year.

LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW!

Music: Jule Styne (1905–1994), arr. Mark Hayes (b. 1953)

Text: Sammy Cahn (1913–1993)

Let it snow!

Let it cover the night with a blanket of white. Let it snow!

Oh, the weather outside is frightful But the fire is so delightful. And since we've no place to go, Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

It doesn't show signs of stopping, And I bought some corn for popping The lights are turned way down low. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

When we finally kiss goodnight, How I'll hate going out in the storm! But if you really hold me tight, All the way home I'll be warm.

The fire is slowly dying, And, my dear, we're still goodbyeing. But as long as you love me so, Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Let it snow!

Let the winter winds blow and bring lots of snow! Let it snow!

JINGLE BELLS

Dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh, O’er the fields we go, laughing all the way. Bells on bobtail ring, making spirits bright, What fun it is to ride and sing a sleighing song tonight.

CHORUS

Hi! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way. Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way. Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.

Now the ground is white, go it while you’re young.

Take the girls tonight, and sing this sleighing song. Just get a bobtail bay, two forty for his speed, Then hitch him to an open sleigh, and crack! you’ll take the lead.

CHORUS

AUDIENCE CAROLS

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER

Music and Text: Johnny Marks (1909–1985)

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer had a very shiny nose And if you ever saw it you would even say it glows. All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names They never let poor Rudolph join in any reindeer games.

Then one foggy Christmas Eve, Santa came to say, "Rudolph, with your nose so bright won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"

Then how the reindeer loved him as they shouted out with glee, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer You'll go down in history!"

DECK THE HALLS

16th Century Welsh Traditional Carol

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la, la la la la. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la, la la la la. Don we now our gay apparel, fa la la la la, la la la la. Troll the ancient Christmas carol, fa la la la la, la la la la.

Fast away the old year passes, fa la la la la, la la la la. Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, fa la la la la, la la la la. Sing we joyous all together, fa la la la la, la la la la. Heedless of the wind and weather, fa la la la la, la la la la. Fa la la la la, la la la la.

O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL

Attributed to John Francis Wade (1711–1786) | Translated by Frederick Oakeley (1841)

O Come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold Him, born the King of angels;

Refrain

O come, let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him Christ the Lord

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation; sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest!

Refrain

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning. Jesus, to Thee be all glory given. Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.

Refrain

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE

CHRISTMAS

Music: Ralph Blane (1914–1995), arr. Molly Ijames (b. 1978)

Text: Hugh Martin (1914–2011)

Have yourself a merry little Christmas, Let your heart be light. From now on our troubles will be out of sight. Have yourself a merry little Christmas, Make the Yuletide gay, From now on our troubles will be miles away. Here we are, as in olden days, happy golden days of yore. Faithful friends who are dear to us, gather near to us once more. Through the years we all will be together If the fates allow.

Hang a shining star upon the highest bough, And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

TOYS FOR A KING

Music: Charles Beaudrot (b. 1951)

Text: Mary H. Dewar

What gifts to please a little boy Who has the whole world as his toy?

Here on the clean straw of his throne I lay the only things I own: A battered will, a raveled mind, a broken dream I cannot find.

If I had come to him before And laid them on the stable floor, Not scratched and finger marked then, How new and bright they would have been.

Yet strange things catch a baby’s eyes. There in his hand my frayed heart lies.

WHERE SHEPHERDS LATELY

KNELT

Music: Craig Courtney (b. 1948)

Where shepherds lately knelt and kept the angel’s word, I come in half-belief, a pilgrim strangely stirred; But there is room and welcome there for me.

In that unlikely place I find Him as they said: Sweet new-born Babe, how frail, and in a manger bed: A still small voice to cry one day for me.

How should I not have known Isaiah would be there, His prophecies fulfilled? With pounding heart I stare: A Child, a Son, the Prince of Peace—for me.

Can I, will I forget how Love was born and burned Its way into my heart unasked, unforced, unearned, To die, to live, and not alone for me? To die, to live, and not alone for me.

THE QUIET HEART

Music: June Collin

Text: James Morgan (b. 1944)

’Twas in the stillness of the night that Jesus came; No blare of trumpets heralded his birth Nor broke the wonted silence of the earth; No clang of bells or blatant hue and cry When Jesus came ’twas night, and the world was still.

’Tis to the quiet heart he loves to come: Not often midst the tumult of the day, When we can find small time to think or pray, Or when, confused by agitating care, We find no secret place for him to share.

We must be still if we his voice would hear. ’Tis to the quiet heart he loves to come.

LOVE DIVINE, ALL LOVES EXCELLING

Based on Welsh Hymn Tune “Hyfrydol” by Rowland H. Prichard (1811–1887)

Music: Arr. Mack Wilberg (b. 1955)

Text: Charles Wesley (1707–1788)

Love divine, all loves excelling, joy of heaven to earth come down. Fix in us thy humble dwelling, all thy faithful mercies crown! Jesus, thou art all compassion, pure, unbounded love thou art; Visit us with thy salvation, enter every trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit into every troubled breast! Let us all in Thee inherit; let us find thy promised rest; Take away the love of sinning; Alpha and Omega be; End of faith, as its beginning, set our hearts at liberty.

Come, Almighty to deliver, let us all thy life receive; Suddenly return and nevermore thy temples leave. Thee we would be always blessing, serve thee as thy hosts above, Pray and praise thee without creasing, glory in thy perfect love.

Finish, then, thy new creation; pure and spotless let us be; Let us see thy great salvation, perfectly restored in thee; Changed from glory into glory, till in heaven we take our place; Till we cast our crowns before Thee, lost in wonder, love and praise.

Amen!

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2024-2025

CHORISTERS

SOPRANOS

Amy Arnold

Casey Bagby

Hayley Conroy

Samantha Frischling

Meg Granum Gurtcheff

Lisa Hayes

Perry Houck

Audriana Johnson

Amy Kuhn

Elizabeth Lamback

Katie Leverett

Caitlin Norton

Megan Schuitema

Sylvia Ware

ALTOS

Claire Berger

Holly Botella

Emily Boyle

Calissa Dauterman

Katie Dial

Stephanie Gilbert

Jean Goffaux

Amelia Gregory

Ivy Overcash

Joy Putney

Meredith Starks

Kathryn Stone

June Webb

TENORS

Ameya Gangal

Scott Johnson

Mark King

Ryan Koter

Bronson Lee

Paul McClung

Andrew McLeod

Ryan Nation

Garrett Pace

Sam Potts

James Ranson

Denny Shin

James Rashaad Turner

BASSES

Nick Almand

Mark Bost

Stven Carlberg

David Champion

Jared Duncan

Richard Holz

James Jones

Mark Lamback

Joseph Legaspi

Thomas McKean

Joseph Ripley

Wade Thomas

David Walters

Spence Whitehead

Ross Wilcox

BOARD of DIRECTORS

Stephanie Watkins, Board Chair

Sydney Cleland

Jamie Clements

Cindy Evans

Tommy Herrington

Eric Nelson, Artistic Director

Raymond Payne

Sally Rhoden

Charlie Rogers

Stan Segal

Mary Slaughter

Kathryn Stone, Secretary

Julie Thompson, Treasurer

James Verrecchia, Executive Director

ADVISORY BOARD

Cheryl Bachelder Marianna Magee

Charles Beaudrot Toni Myers

Ray Chenault

Rodger Herndon

Dr. James T. Laney

H. Hamilton Smith

William & Carol Yadlosky

Ellen & John Yates

STAFF

Eric Nelson, Artistic Director

Jonathan Easter, Pianist/Organist

James Verrecchia, Executive Director Amy Kuhn, Administrative Manager

Nick Almand, Graphic Design and Video

ERIC NELSON is artistic director of Atlanta Master Chorale and professor of music and director of choral studies at Emory University. Dr. Nelson’s choirs have performed throughout the world, including London, Rome, Berlin, Moscow, Seoul, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Sydney Opera House. He has conducted choirs at eight American Choral Directors Association conferences, including Atlanta Master Chorale’s performance at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis for the national conference in March 2017 and the Emory Concert Choir’s performance at Chicago’s Orchestra Hall for the national conference in 2011.

Dr. Nelson’s ensembles are characterized by their variety of repertoire and for their ability to fuse technical precision with warmth of musical expression. He appears regularly as clinician, lecturer, and guest conductor for honor choirs, conventions, symposiums, workshops, and all-state festivals.

Dr. Nelson’s choral compositions and arrangements are sung regularly by ensembles throughout the United States. He is the editor of the Atlanta Master Chorale Choral Series, published by MorningStar Music/ECS Publishing Group. His compositions are also published by Colla Voce and Augsburg Fortress. He holds degrees in voice and conducting from Houghton College, Westminster Choir College, and Indiana University.

JONATHAN EASTER, Guest Conductor & Organ

Jon Easter is celebrated for his moving expressivity and musical artistry across multiple instruments and as a conductor. He performs regularly with Emory’s Concert Choir and Atlanta Master Chorale, serving as both accompanist and assistant conductor. His expertise has also been showcased in performances with Atlanta Master Chorale at American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and American Guild of Organists conventions at regional and national levels.

Throughout his career, Jon has held significant positions as organist and choir director at Saint Paul’s by the Sea Episcopal in Jacksonville, FL, Roswell Presbyterian Church in Roswell, GA, and Saint Mark United Methodist Church in Atlanta, GA. He now enjoys life as a sought-after substitute and interim organist and is in high demand for his versatility and reliability. His commitment to musical excellence extends to solo and collaborative organ recitals across the Southeast, where he consistently demonstrates both technical mastery and artistic expression.

His collaborations with renowned singers, including multiple recitals with Jamie Barton—featuring a recording of Lee Hoiby’s Bon Appétit! and

participation in the Metropolitan Opera virtual gala—further highlight his distinguished career. Jon's recordings include several Atlanta Master Chorale CDs, the University of North Florida Chamber Singers, and Crossroads Trumpets: Masterworks for Trumpet Ensemble. These contributions solidify his reputation as a dynamic and versatile musician, making significant impacts across various musical landscapes.

Jon holds an undergraduate degree in organ performance from Shorter College, where he studied with Peter Dewitt. He earned double master’s degrees in choral conducting and organ performance from Emory University under Eric Nelson and Timothy Albrecht. He also pursued additional conducting studies with Donald Nally and Martha Shaw and organ studies with Bill Evans and Alan Morrison.

CAITLIN NORTON, Guest Conductor | Caitlin

Norton is an Atlanta-based conductor, soprano, organist, and educator. Originally from Chicago, IL, her intended career path was not in music, but she became involved in choir while completing her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign. Caitlin sang with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champagne Chorale, Oratorio Society, the Allerton Bach Festival Choir, co-founded the Erstenblick Quartet, and was bitten by the conducting bug during a stint in the orchestra of a summer theatre project. She often jokes that "I chose math, but music chose me."

After undergrad, Caitlin moved to Tulsa, where she maintained parallel careers in math and music. While in Tulsa, Caitlin was the artistic director of the Hyechka Women's Chorus, part of the oldest music society west of the Mississippi River, and is the founding director of Tulsa's Women In Song Ensemble. She completed her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at the University of Tulsa, where she was associate director for both the Cappella Chamber Choir and Tulsa University Chorale, served as the primary accompanist for the conducting studio, and was a winner of the 2020 Concerto/Aria competition. She also held a number of church conducting positions and is a sought-after guest conductor, choral clinician, and soloist.

Although she works mostly out of Chicago and Atlanta, Caitlin has conducted as far afield at Hainan, China! Here in Atlanta, Caitlin serves as Director of Music at St. John Neumann Catholic Church and as associate director for the Atlanta Archdiocesan Choir, as executive director for the Atlanta Homeward Choir, and sits on the Board of the Atlanta Early Music Alliance. She holds an Artist Certificate and Master of Music in Choral Conducting, both from Georgia State University.

MEGAN SCHUITEMA

, Guest Conductor | Megan

Schuitema is an active conductor, clinician, and soprano. She is a member of the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) and the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), and organizes multiple district-wide choral events.

Megan is currently the director of choirs at Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Georgia, where she directs three choral ensembles, teaches advanced placement music theory, and serves as music director for the spring musical theatre productions. Under her direction, the choirs at Harrison consistently earn superior ratings at festivals and take part in clinics and competitions throughout the United States. Recently, the choirs at Harrison have performed at the GMEA In-Service Conference (2022), the Georgia ACDA Conference (2023), the Georgia Southern Invitational (2018, 2023), and will perform on tour in Spain in 2025.

Megan has sung with the Atlanta Master Chorale for four years and has deeply enjoyed her time with the group. She has also been a staff singer at the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta since 2019.

Megan earned a Bachelor in Music Education from Georgia State University (2015) and the Master of Music Education from Florida State University (2021). Her mentors and teachers include Dr. Deanna Joseph, Dr. Michael Hanawalt, Dr. Kevin Fenton, Dr. Dale Adelmann, and Dr. Eric Nelson.

Megan lives in Marietta, GA with her husband Adam Gresham and their dogs Toaster and Microwave.

KATIE DIAL , Guest Conductor | Katie Dial is proud to be the chorus director at Hendricks Middle School in Forsyth County where she teaches six periods of chorus and directs the school musical. Under her direction, her choirs earn superior ratings at large group performance evaluation. Her 8th grade chorus was selected to perform at the Georgia American Choral Directors Association conference in October 2024. Katie is active in the choral education community holding memberships for GMEA and the ACDA, and plans district-wide choral events and professional development opportunities for fellow choral educators in her district.

This is Katie’s third season with Atlanta Master Chorale and she describes it as the “non-negotiable” in her life as it brings her so much joy. Katie is also a member of the treble choir, Lux, and has been a staff singer at Athens First United Methodist Church and Grace Presbyterian Church.

Katie earned a Bachelor in Music Education from the University of Georgia (2021) and is currently working towards her Master of Music in Conducting

Katie lives in Alpharetta, GA with her husband Nathan and their cat Ollie. When Katie is not teaching or singing, she can be found reading, petting Ollie, and harmonizing poorly (on purpose) with her husband.

SAMUEL POTTS, Guest Conductor | Samuel Potts is in his third year as the choral director at Mill Creek High School in Hoschton, GA, where he directs four choirs and teaches piano. Students under his direction are regularly selected for GMEA All-State Chorus, All-State Reading Chorus, District Honor Chorus, and the Governor’s Honors Program in Vocal Performance. Additionally, his students have won state and regional titles at Georgia High School Association Literary Meets, and his choirs regularly score superior ratings at Large Group Performance Evaluation adjudications and choral competitions. The Mill Creek High School Mastery Chorus recently served as the demonstration choir for the student conducting masterclass at the 2024 Georgia ACDA conference, and they will be a featured performing choir at the GMEA In-Service Conference in January 2025. Before working at Mill Creek High School, he served as the Choral Director at Warner Robins High School for two years.

Previously, Samuel served as the music director of the Atlanta Homeward Choir – an organization providing musical and social engagement to individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, and/or unemployment in the greater Atlanta area. In this position, the choir presented and performed at the 2019 Georgia ACDA conference and the National Alliance for Music in Vulnerable Communities 2020 conference. During his tenure, the choir traveled to Chicago, IL to participate in a choral exchange with the organization Harmony, Hope, and Healing.

Samuel holds a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Georgia State University (2020) and a Bachelor of Music Education in Voice (summa cum laude) from the Townsend School of Music at Mercer University (2018). His primary conducting teachers include Deanna Joseph, Jennifer Sengin, and Stanley Roberts. Samuel sings with the Atlanta Master Chorale and at the Cathedral of St. Philip. (low-residency) from Georgia State University. Her mentors and teachers include Mr. Gene Seese, Dr. Dan Bara, Dr. J.D. Burnett, Dr. Deanna Joseph, and Ms. Meghan Stoll.

MEG GRANUM GURTCHEFF, Guest Conductor

Dr. Meg Granum Gurtcheff serves as the Johns Creek United Methodist Church director of worship and music. At Johns Creek, she conducts the chancel choir, orchestra, alleluia choir, joyful noise choir, cherub choir, co-directs the youth choir, oversees the music program, and facilitates all worship services. She is an active conductor, violist, and soprano, with a particular passion for choral singing and a deep love for the Atlanta Master Chorale.

Meg has held leadership roles within several music organizations including the Choristers Guild, Presbyterian Association of Musicians, and the American Choral Directors Association.

Meg is a native of Athens, GA and has served churches throughout the Atlanta metro area and in Lexington, KY. She holds a Doctoral of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Sacred Music in Choral Conducting from Emory University, and a Bachelor of Music in Church Music from St. Olaf College. Her primary teachers include Dr. Eric Nelson, Dr. Anton Armstrong, Dr. John Ferguson, Dr. Lori Hetzel, and Dr. Jefferson Johnson. Meg lives in Duluth, GA with her husband, Chris, and their cat, Figaro.

JUSTIN MAXEY, Piano

| Justin Maxey is a distinguished organist, pianist, and conductor with an exceptional academic and professional background. He holds a Master of Music in Organ Performance and Literature from The Eastman School of Music, an Artist Diploma in Organ Performance from Mercer University, and a Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance from Shorter College, where he also minored in voice and piano. During his undergraduate years, Justin served as the accompanist for the Shorter College Chorale under Dr. Martha Shaw. This role provided opportunities for two European tours and a nationally released recording, "Beautiful River," recorded at Spivey Hall and available on numerous platforms. Justin's talent as an organist has taken him to prestigious venues such as St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, St. Alban's, Ely Cathedral, Christ Church in Dublin, and St. Paul's in London. He has held residencies at notable American churches and performed on the renowned "Mighty Mo" organ at the Fox Theatre.

His accolades include first place in the Atlanta and Rochester Chapters Quimby Competitions of the American Guild of Organists and the Atlanta Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon performance competition. Justin was also a finalist in the 2019 Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition and received the David Spicer Hymn Playing Award at the Schweitzer Organ Competition. Currently, Justin serves as associate director of music and organist at All

Saints' Episcopal Church, music director and pianist for Vespers at Lenbrook, and collaborative artist for choirs at Georgia State University. He has toured with the Atlanta Opera and performed at significant events like the World Symposium on Choral Music in Istanbul, Turkey.

As one of Atlanta's most sought-after organists, Justin is frequently consulted for organ-building projects and invited to perform dedicatory concerts and solo recitals.

SEASON DONORS

Donor lists reflect gifts from November 15, 2023 – November 15, 2024.

LEGACY CIRCLE

($5,000+)

Anonymous

A & J Fund of the Ayco Charitable Foundation

Caterpillar Foundation

Sydney and Craig Cleland

Barbara and Donald Defoe

Patty Dontje

Sylvia and Samy Naguib

Mary Margaret Oliver

Ellen and John Yates

ACCOMPANIST CIRCLE

($2,500 – $4,999)

Anne Marie Alexander

Charles Beaudrot, Jr.

Carol and Michael Bohannon

Ruth C. Brown, MD

Jamie Clements

Coca-Cola Foundation

Roy and Janet Dorsey Foundation

Cindy and Gary Frischling

Sandy and L. Tom Gay

Berta and James Laney

Joan and Gerald Lord

Susan and James McCabe

Susan and Eric Nelson

Sally Rhoden

Georgia and Stan Segal

Jane and Alan Stevenson

Sally and Todd Tucker

COMPOSER CIRCLE

($1,000 – $2,499)

Anonymous

Lua Blankenship and Dennis Kemp

Emily and T.J. Boyle

Pat and Ron Braun

Ted Campbell

Elizabeth and Raymond Chenault

Marge and Gray Crouse

Elizabeth and Robert Edge

John Eley

Susan and Donald Garrett

Toni and Hardy Gregory

Doug Hand

Katherine Hardin

Sharon L. and Duncan M. Harle

Lisa Hayes

Peggy and Rodger Herndon

Larry Owens & Clark Simmons

Betsy and Dave Polstra

Mary Slaughter

Hamilton and Mason Smith

Kathryn Stone

Richard Stumm

Anne and Don Teddlie

Dr. James L. Waits

Stephanie Watkins

Donna and Bill Woolf

Anna Wright

SOLOIST CIRCLE

($500 – $999)

Anonymous

Sally Angevine

Shauna and Jason Byars

Susan and Jose Couvillion

Laura and Richard Dyer

Lawrence Easter

Janet and Donald Filip

Philip Garrett

Harry Gilbert

Betty J. and Travis E. Halford

Carol C. and Allen Jackson Head

Rita and Chris Johnston

Eric Klem

Katheryn Klimko

Amy and Chris Kuhn

Jerry Loyd

MassMutual Advisors Association

Donna and Jack McCoy

Kathy and Rodney Milligan

Elise T. Phillips

Debra and Scott Pyron

Susan Raven

Beth and Mark Roberson

Becky and Sunny Sundquist

Julie Thompson

Angela M. Verrecchia

Donna and Brian Weatherby

Jerry and Tolly Williamson

CHORISTER CIRCLE

($250 – $499)

Anonymous

Casey Bagby

Jonathan Bauer

Katie Bossie

Jan Buchanan

The Caldwell Family

Kelli Carroll and David Ross

Teresa and Thomas Coffey

Carolyn Conner

Sharon E. Cregier

Adelia Ann Dozier

Natalie Dupuis

Peggy Easter

Sally Frost George

Paul Frysh

Christine and Lawrence Fuller

Richard Fuller

George Hickman

Sarah and Harvey Hill

Joanne and Richard Holz

Bishop Joel M. Konzen, SM

Sally and George Lee

Betty Lemmons

Alison Main

Arina Meeuwsen

Anne Morgan and Jim Kelley

Sharon and Dan Rankin

Louise Reaves

Maggie and Charlie Rogers

Liz and Wayne Stewart

Cynthia Taylor

Nancy and Jim Verrecchia

Jana and Brian Williams

Anne C. Wray

A CAPPELLA CIRCLE

(up to $249)

Anonymous

Karen Adams and Jeff Pickett

Valerie Almand

Anne Archer Dennington

Mona Reiser Armstrong and John T.

Armstrong

Barbara and Paul Arne

Alla Balueva

Bob Bauer and Terry Simerly

Gail Legters Bell

Claire Berger and Branislav Marinkovic

Diana Blair

Renata Bouterse

Elaine Bradley

Chuck Burleson

Kathleen and Bernie Cleveland

Susan Collins

Linda and William Easterlin

Nancy and John Edison

BJ Erb and Bruce Crabtree

Merrill Ellis

James B. Farmer and Cynthia A. Young

Howard Filston

James Fortier

Samantha Frischling

Mary Galpin

Jane and James Gole

Rob Grabenkort

James Green

Meg and Chris Gurtcheff

Sarah and Steve Guthrie

Susan and Tom Hagood

Amanda Hall

Nancy Hamilton

Faye and Tom Hammett

Barbara Hammond

Leila Hartley and James Costlow

Karen Harwell

Patty and Ken Hepburn

Shay and Ray Herman Gift Fund

Edith and Lee Howington

Celia C. Hughes

Marilyn Humphreys

Pamela and Trevis Ingram

Nermin Jasani

Carol Jean and J. Timothy Johnson

Oren Johnson

Arlene Kim

Drs. Judy B. Kisla and Leslie A. Pope

Ardath and Stephen Krist

Joan Lankford

Mary Wyche Lesesne

June Lester

Rachel Lichtenwalter

Michael Linger

Marsha and Neal Little

Janet Locke

Kay and David Mainor

Anh Malloy

Janis McBroom

Craig and Becky McClung Giving Fund

Linda Marr McPherson

Laura Meadows

Cynthia S. Mendenhall

M. Lew Miller

Sandra and Simon Miller

Carol Morgan

Lisa and Joel Morris

John Nixon

Susan and Rhus Palumbo

Jeffrey C. Pickett

Teresa and Peter Psyhogios

Cheryl Ranson

Stephanie Hope Reeves

Maria Rispoli

Terri and Gregory Rosenblatt

Frances St. John

Don Saliers

Sue Sandell

Meredith Schweig

Jan and Greg Smith

Sunny Smith

Sara Solla

Karen Stitt

Gayle and Robert Suggs

Laurie Ann Taylor

Janice and Claude Turner

Theressa Virgil

Rudy Wilson

Carolyn and Max Yost

Jeanne and Richard Young

David Yurko

Charles Zapf

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this listing. If you find an error, please accept our apology and notify us at INFO@ATLANTAMASTERCHORALE.ORG

MONTHLY SUSTAINING DONORS

We invite you to consider becoming a monthly sustaining donor, spreading your gift over the year. Visit AtlantaMasterChorale.org/donate to set up your recurring donation.

Carol and Michael Bohannon

Katie Bossie

Jamie Clements

Kathleen and Bernie Cleveland

Lawrence Easter

Samantha Frischling

Philip Garrett

Doug Hand

Amy and Chris Kuhn

Susan and Eric Nelson

Debra and Scott Pyron

Kathryn Stone

Maggie and Charlie Rogers

DEDICATIONS & MEMORIALS

We welcome the opportunity to honor individuals. Please consider a gift to honor a family member or friend. Dedications and memorials will remain in concert programs for one year from the donation date.

Anonymous donation in memory of Mildred Hopkins Mainor

Sally Angevine in honor of Eric and Susan Nelson

Barbara and Paul Arne in honor of Ellen and John Yates

Bob Bauer and Terry Simerly in memory of Sam Hagan

Ruth C. Brown, MD in honor of Elizabeth and Mark Lamback

The Caldwell Family in loving memory of our friend and neighbor, Sam Hagan

Ted Campbell in memory of Patricia Campbell

Sharon E. Cregier in honor of Mary Ann Evangelista

Marge and Gray Crouse in honor of Eric Nelson

Elizabeth and Robert Edge in memory of Sam Hagan

Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Edge in honor of Eric Nelson for his spectacular leadership of Atlanta Master Chorale

John Eley in honor of Denny Shin and Ameya Gangal

Merrill Ellis in thanks to Stephanie Watkins

James B. Farmer and Cynthia A. Young in honor of and with thanks to Jim Verrecchia

Vicki and Steve Fey in honor of Eric and Susan Nelson

Howard Filston in honor of his grandson, Scott Eric Johnson

James Fortier in honor of Eric Klem’s 60th birthday

Christine and Ben Fuller in honor of Eric and Susan Nelson

Richard Fuller in memory of Sam Hagan, magnificent tenor, and with condolences to his wife Marti

Susan and Donald Garrett in honor of James R. Turner

Harry Gilbert in memory of Katie Gilbert

Barbara Pressley Hammond in honor of Jeffrey Clanton

Keith Hand in honor of Doug Hand

Sharon L. and Duncan M. Harle in honor of Eric and Susan Nelson

Karen Harwell in honor of Eric and Susan Nelson and in memory of Genie Patterson

Bishop Joel M. Konzen, SM, in memory of Sam Hagan

Ardath and Stephen Krist in memory of Sam Hagan

Amy and Chris Kuhn in memory of Pat Campbell

Joan Lankford in memory of Sam Hagan, in honor of Ham Smith, and in memory of Doug Lankford

Marsha and Neal Little in memory of Cantey Bryan Mills

Janet Locke in honor of Eric and Susan Nelson

Kay and David Mainor in memory of Mildred Mainor and in honor of Eric and Susan Nelson

MassMutual Advisors Association in honor of Vic Dupuis

Craig and Becky McClung Giving Fund in honor of Dr. Paul McClung

Cynthia S. Mendenhall in memory of Sam Hagan

Anne Morgan and Jim Kelley in memory of Mac and Helen Morgan

Sylvia and Samy Naguib in memory of Cleo Mansour

Betsy and Dave Polstra in honor of Bill and Carol Yadlosky

Susan Raven in honor of Eric and Susan Nelson

Liz and Wayne Stewart in honor of Leila Hartley and Jim Costlow

Gayle and Robert Suggs in honor of Eric and Susan Nelson

Ellen and John Yates in memory of Louise, Paul and Rosalyn Cobb and Julia Yates

Anonymous

Anne Marie Alexander

Carol and Michael Bohannon

Sharon E. Cregier

Barbara and Donald Defoe

Vicki and Steve Fey

Sally Frost George

Philip Garrett

James Green

Joanne and Richard Holz

Mary Margaret Oliver

Sally Rhoden

Hamilton and Mason Smith

Donna and Brian Watherby

Full details on the Eric Nelson Artistic Fund including how to donate are listed on the next page. Donors will remain in concert programs for one year from the donation date.

CHORAL COMPOSITION

COMPETITION SPONSORS

To support our inaugural composition competition, please list “competition sponsor” in the memo line of your check or in the notes box for online donations.

Carol and Michael Bohannon

Barbara and Donald Defoe

Mary Margaret Oliver

Sally Rhoden

Hamilton and Mason Smith

THANK YOU

from Atlanta Master Chorale

Atlanta Master Chorale established the Eric Nelson Artistic Fund (ENAF) in 2020 to honor Eric Nelson’s incredible talents and twenty-year leadership as our artistic director. The ENAF underwrites chorale travel to special performances, commissioned choral works by new or established composers, our annual composition competition, and expenses for highcaliber guest artists who perform or record with the chorale.

ENAF donations may be made online (choose ENAF from the drop-down menu), by mail (indicate ENAF in the memo section of your check), or at the merchandise table in the lobby.

AtlantaMasterChorale.org/donate Atlanta Master Chorale P.O. Box 133201 Atlanta, GA 30333

ATLANTA MASTER CHORALE needs

ATLANTA MASTER CHORALE MERCHANDISE!

Don’t forget to stop by the table in the lobby to check out our Atlanta Master Chorale merchandise! We have new 30 oz RTIC tumblers available along with our embroidered Land’s End tote bags, notecards, and magnets. And of course, we will have our latest CDs for sale.

Magnets: $1 each

30 oz RTIC Tumbler: $20

LISTEN AT HOME

Atlanta Master Chorale’s six latest CDs are available at our merchandise table in the lobby after the concerts.

The full collection of our CDs and digital downloads may also be purchased on our website at AtlantaMasterChorale.org/Shop.

And Atlanta Master Chorale recordings are available on Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, and other digital and streaming services.

ATLANTA MASTER CHORALE CHORAL SERIES

Our Atlanta Master Chorale Choral Series, published by MorningStar Music/ECS Publishing Group, captures new repertoire premiered by the ensemble, helping to add vibrant original music to the choral field. The series features original works and arrangements composed by Eric Nelson, Atlanta Master Chorale’s artistic director, in addition to pieces commissioned by Atlanta Master Chorale from composers Ivo Antognini, Joel Thompson, and Stacey Gibbs. Pieces included in the series are chosen for their technical and expressive qualities. We hope all who sing them will find those places “where music touches spirit.”

Visit AtlantaMasterChorale.org/AMCChoral-Series for more details including ordering information.

BRIDGE CATERING

ATLANTA MASTER CHORALE would like to thank Bridge Catering for their generosity and support this season.

Bridge Catering, owned and operated by Chef Keith Hand, prepares delicious and affordable dishes for wedding receptions, corporate events, lunches, parties, cocktail receptions, church functions, and more. We will develop a unique menu for your event that will fulfill your culinary desires while staying within your budget.

OUR CHRISTMAS ALBUM

“Christmas with Atlanta Master Chorale: Greatest Hits” is available at the merchandise table in the lobby after the concerts. Ring in the season with this incredible collection of some of our most beloved Christmas music! Spanning several decades of recordings, this compilation album is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit!

Two of the songs you heard at the concert are featured on our Christmas CD:

Where Shepherds Lately Knelt & Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (Live) CDs and digital downloads may also be purchased on our website at www.AtlantaMasterChorale.org/Shop

And you can listen to “Christmas with Atlanta Master Chorale: Greatest Hits” and other Atlanta Master Chorale recordings on Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, and other digital and streaming services.

PATHWAYS

Friday, March 14, 2025 | 8pm

Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 8pm

Friday, May 2, 2025 | 8pm Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 8pm