Artistic Director Eugene Rogers Releases “Eugene’s Top Ten Holiday Playlist”
In advance of his much-anticipated live and in-person debut concerts as Artistic Director of two time Grammy winners, The Washington Chorus – where he’ll be festively leading DC’s much-loved “Candlelight Christmas” concerts, produced by The Washington Chorus at The Kennedy Center and the Music Center at Strathmore – acclaimed conductor Eugene Rogers has released “Eugene’s Top Ten Holiday Playlist.”
From traditional favorites to new sounds spanning many styles and genres, TWC Artistic Director Eugene Rogers’ holiday playlist is your perfect warm-up to the Chorus’ forthcoming “Candlelight Christmas” performances, running December 16 to 23, 2021 with seven unmissable shows featuring brass, bells, chorus, organ, and lots of high holiday cheer.
There is only one Candlelight Christmas: a beloved DC tradition, and one of DC’s top ranked holiday concerts.
EUGENE ROGERS’ TOP TEN HOLIDAY PLAYLIST
Silent Night: from the album “Kirk Franklin and the Family Christmas”
Eugene says: “Kirk Franklin's Family Christmas album was life one of the best gospel Christmas albums of its kind. Fresh new arrangements and new songs which have become a staple in the genre.”
John Rutter Christmas Album featuring The Cambridge Singers
Eugene says: “I just love Rutter's Christmas carol arrangements. They work for any choirs of all ages and levels. I still remember conducting my first Rutter carol when I began my professional career.”
May Christmas Bring You Happiness: from the album “This is Christmas” by Luther Vandross
Eugene says: “Luther Vandross was one of my favorite R&B artists when growing up, and this original tune became a hometown favorite.”
Oh Holy Night: from the album “Noel” by Josh Groban
Eugene says: “This song has so much history in my family, and Josh Groban's performance is simply one of my favorites.”
O magnum mysterium: by Francis Poulenc from the album “Christmas,” performed by Voces8
Eugene says: “Poulenc's and Lauridsen's setting of this text is perfectly conceived. Voces8's performance of this Latin motet is a must in my home during the holidays.”
The Christmas Song: from the album “The Magic of Christmas” by Nat King Cole
Eugene says: “I always know that we have reached the holidays when I hear Nat King Cole's voice on my radio. I never get tired of his performance of this classic.”
Silent Night: from the album “The Temptations Christmas Card” by The Temptations
Eugene Says: “I think of my mom when I hear the Temptation's setting of Silent Night. This song was played over and over again leading up to Christmas while growing up in Virginia, and I will always associate Christmas with this.”
Rockin' around the Christmas Tree: from the album “Christmas with Brenda Lee” by Brenda Lee
Eugene says: “Just like the Temptations, Brenda Lee's Rockin around the Christmas Tree was played equally on the home radio. It’s still one of my favorites!”
“Rejoice Greatly,” from Handel’s “Messiah,” featuring Kathleen Battle and Florence Quivar (Andrew Davis, conductor)
Eugene says: “I discovered this recording when I was an undergraduate music major and was in awe of the beauty and technical prowess of the soloists. I never get tired of hearing Kathleen Battle's performance of ‘Rejoice greatly.’”
Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!: from the album “Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas” by Ella Fitzgerald
Eugene says: “Nothing like a little Ella any time of the year, but especially her Christmas albums. I just love this song in particular.”
Good King Wenceslas: from “Christmas with The Washington Chorus”
Eugene says: “This is such a wonderful recording, but I especially love the Good King Wenceslas arrangement on the recording. I still get goosebumps listening to this recording and anticipating my first Candlelight concert with this remarkable ensemble and community.”
