further information will be available at arts.whittlesea

Further information will be available at arts.whittlesea.vic.gov.au

The City of Whittlesea recognises the rich Aboriginal heritage of this country

and acknowledges the Wurundjeri Willum Clan as the traditional owners of this place.

We also recognise the Traditional Owners and Elders past, present and emerging

of wherever you are tuning in from tonight.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Carols at the City of Whittlesea is a very special event. The Community Carols Choir is a volunteer choir made up of people who have an interest in singing and like to get together. It is a no-audition choir, open to anyone who would like to take part. There are some community members who have been singing with the choir for over 15 years, giving a wonderful continuity and tradition to this annual event. The choir usually rehearses on Monday nights from early October right through to mid-December, producing a live performance that is entirely community focused.

As we all know too well, 2020 has changed almost every aspect of our lives and getting together (and especially singing together) has become very difficult. So, welcome to a new version of Council’s traditional Community Carols event! We have conceived this project to shine the spotlight firmly on the community members who are contributing and to frame them with high quality music and video production to create a livestream event we can all treasure. Rather than cancelling or diminishing the event, together we have created something unique and quite special.

We hope you enjoy the Whittlesea 2020 Carols.

John Fleming, Event Coordinator.

WELCOME

MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT

Traditionally the Diamond Valley Brass Band would accompany the carols choir, however they have not been able to convene a rehearsal since April! As a result, we have brought in some exceptional musicians to accompany our singers for this event.

Michael Johnson is an accomplished classical harpist and resident composer at the Royal Botanical Gardens and a resident of the City of Whittlesea. He has recorded the accompaniment for Away in a Manger.

The Lauricella family are long standing members and accompanists of the choir, Guy and John recorded the backing for Winter Wonderland in their own home.

Sean Ryan is a Kuku Nyunkal man (far north Queensland) and accomplished Yiki Yiki (didgeridoo) musician. We are very pleased to have him accompany We honour the land, all about acknowledging country.

Daniel Heskett is a brass player and a celebrated arranger and band leader. Having worked in music theatre and a wide array of other mediums he understood immediately what was needed for this project and has given the project the majestic sound it deserves. He has provided the accompaniments for Deck the Halls, God rest ye Merry Gentlemen, Good King Wenceslas, Silent Night, We wish you a Merry Christmas.

CHOIR LEADER FL IP CASE

Flip is a singer, performer, ensemble leader and teacher who believes “singing is our birthright.” After completing studies at Melbourne University, she worked in environmental theatre with Vox Bandicoot and has been leading vocal groups since 1997. Her school and community groups sing material from diverse cultures and traditions and she has a strong commitment to building personal and community wellbeing through sharing the universal and uplifting language of music. Flip currently performs with the female acappella group “Songrise” and previously in “Skirl” and bluegrass band “Side Saddle Gals”.

TONIGHT ’S HOSTS – J IM AND BARB

Passionate carolers Jim and Barb are hosting this year’s big night! After 49 years of marriage, these boomers from Wollert have hosted (almost) more Christmas parties than Santa and Mrs Claus. This year, they can’t wait to share their Christmas fun with you.Jim and Barb are performed by Clare Bartholomew and Daniel Tobias

CREDITS

Welcome to Country Kellie Hunter

Yiki Yiki (didjeridoo) and clap sticks Sean Ryan

Harp Michael Johnson

Daniel Heskett Band

Orchestration, Audio Production, Trumpets Daniel Heskett

Woodwinds Daniel Modica

Trombones Simon Greatwood

Violins Ash Wood

Cellos Deb McLeod

Guitar Will Salisbury

Keyboards Timothy Verdon

Bass Shane Cole-Hayhow

Event producer, audio mix John Fleming

Livestream producer Rachael Dubois

Vision supervision, editing David Franjic

Vision production Greenland Audio

Live audio production Nathan Allen and Cameron Canobie at PRACC

Online content Taylah McLean

CHOIR

Alan LovelaceAmanda BellocciAminda CloughAmy Higginbotham WestleyAnton DiBattistaAntonella TropeaBetty LawBrynley CloughCaryn AvelsgaardCaz DunellCraig LloydCon KotanidisDavid LangEmma LeathamGuy LauricellaJacquie GoodheadJoan Lauricella

Jodie Lang John HowardJohn FlemingKathleen DurongpisitkulKerrianne RomaniaKerry ClarkeKim KocijanLeonie SwiftLesley WaltonMolly SkitchLiz SkitchLoea Lian TjoeLorena DallLucy WooLuke CondickMaggi Palmer Marcus DiBattistaMargaret MittenMaria DormanMataya CloughMerrin TunnecliffeMichelle Francis CookMycah Cudanin Toral-PadillaMyrna BeverlyNicola VaughanRashelle de HaanRon HarveyShelly MatthewsSilvana DiBattistaSimon MollemaSuzanne Coburn

AUSLAN INTERPRETERS

Susan Emerson & Michelle Ashley

ORDER OF PERFORMANCE

WE HONOUR THE LAND

DECK THE HALLS

GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN

KINDNESS OF STRANGERS

S ILENT NIGHT

GOOD K ING WENCESLAS

CAROL OF THE BELLS

AWAY IN A MANGER

WINTER WONDERLAND

C ITY L IFE CHURCH P IECE - TBC

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (2020)

J INGLE BELLS

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS

We honour the land that we’re meeting on (repeat)We honour the country and the old ones (repeat)

We sing up country and we sing it up strong (repeat)For we are all connected as one (repeat)

We are all connected as one (repeat)

We remember the ones who have gone before (repeat)We honour the wisdom of the ancient lore (repeat)

We sing up country and we sing it up strong (repeat)For we are all connected as one (repeat)We are all connected as one (repeat x 3)

WE HONOUR THE LANDFeaturing Sean Ryan on Yiki Yiki (Didgeridoo)

and choir leader Flip Case

Deck the Halls with boughs of hollyFa 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 yuletide carol Fa la la la la, la la la la

See the blazing Yule before us Fa la la la la, la la la la

Strike the harp and join the chorus Fa la la la la, la la la la

Follow me in merry measure Fa la la, la la la, la la la

While I tell of Yuletide treasure 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

DECK THE HALLS

God rest ye merry gentlemen Let nothing you dismay

For Jesus Christ our Saviour Was born on Christmas Day

To save us all from Satan’s pow’r When we were gone astray O tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy

From God our Heavenly Father A blessed Angel came;

And unto certain shepherds Brought tidings of the same,

How that in Bethlehem was born The Son of God by Name.

O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy

The shepherds at those tidings Rejoiced much in mind,

And left their flocks a-feeding In tempest, storm and wind,

And went to Bethlehem straightway The Son of God to find.

O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy

Now to the Lord sing praises, All you within this place,

And with true love and brotherhood Each other now embrace; This holy tide of Christmas

All other doth efface. O tidings of comfort and joy,

Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy.

GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMENFeaturing Lorena Dall, Jo Flynn and Lesley Walton

Little Jesus and his parents were refugees

From a cruel king came murder and danger.

So they ran for their lives in the dead of the night.

They relied on the kindness of strangers.

Oh Mary, oh Mary, how shall you keep warm?

You’ve nothing but the dress you are wearin’.

Here take this coat, it’s old but it’s good.The night is too cold for wayfaring.

Joseph, Joseph, what shall you eat?Nothing to last you a journey.

Here take this bread and sweet honey.Good luck for your safe returning.

Little Jesus, little Jesus, with what shall you play?

You’ve no toys or sweets to cheer you.Here take my doll and my lollypop,

May the angels all guide and protect you.

Where or where will you sleep my dears?The heat of the day is so savage.

Take my daze and rest in my shade,Away from all struggle and ravage.

Who’ll be there to quench your thirst?Who will cool your fevered brow?

Lay yourself down in my healing water,Let go, let go of your sorrow.

Who will sing to uplift your spirit?Who will sing you an encouraging song?From where I fly I see freedom coming.

Don’t fret for it won’t be long.

Who’ll carry you to the other shore?Who’ll carry your boat to safety?

Moon star and tidal waves all shall blessMother and father and baby.

Little Jesus and his parents were refugeesFrom a cruel king came

murder and dangerSo they ran for their lives in the dead of the night



K INDNESS OF STRANGERSIncluded with the permission of composer Kavisha Mazzella

Performed by the Whittlesea Township Choir under the direction of Kerry Clarke

S ILENT NIGHT

Silent night, holy night,All is calm, all is bright.

Round yon virgin mother and child,Holy infant so tender and mild.

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night,Shepherds quake at the sight.

Glories stream from heaven afar,Heavenly hosts sing “Hallelujah!

Christ the Saviour, is born!”

GOOD K ING WENCESLASFeaturing John Howard and Simon Mollema

Good King Wenceslas looked out On the feast of Stephen

When the snow lay ‘round about Deep and crisp and even

Brightly shone the moon that night Though the frost was cruel

When a poor man came in sight Gath’ring winter fuel.

“Hither, page, and stand by me If thou know’st it, telling

Yonder peasant, who is he?Where and what his dwelling?”

“Sire, he lives a good league, hence Underneath the mountain

Right against the forest fence By Saint Agnes’ fountain.”

“Bring me flesh and bring me wine Bring me pine logs hither

Thou and I will see him dine When we bear them thither”

Page and monarch forth they wentForth they went together

Through the rude wind’s wild lament And the bitter weather.

“Sire, the night is darker now And the wind blows stronger

Fails my heart, I know not how I can go no longer.”

“Mark my footsteps, my good page Tread thou in them boldly

Thou shalt find the winter’s rage Freeze thy blood less coldly.”

In his master’s steps he trod Where the snow lay dinted

Heat was in the very sod Which the Saint had printed

Therefore, Christian men, be sure Wealth or rank possessing

Ye who now will bless the poor Shall yourselves find blessing.

CAROL OF THE BELLS

Hark, how the bells, sweet, silver bells All seem say, “Throw cares away.”

Christmas is here, bringing good cheer To young and meek and the bold.

“Ding, dong, ding, dong,” that is their

Song with joyful ring, all caroling!One seems to hear words of good cheer

From ev’ry where, filling the air.Oh, how they pound, raising the sound,

Over hill and dale, telling the tale!Gaily they ring, while people sing

Songs of good cheer. Christmas is here.

Merry Merry Merry Merry Christmas,Merry Merry Merry Merry Christmas,

Onward they pound, on without end,

Their joyful tone in every home.Hark how the bells, sweet silver bellsAll seem to say, “Throw cares away.”

Hark, how the bells, sweet, silver bells All seem say, “Throw cares a-way.”

Christmas is here, bringing good cheer To young and meek and the bold.

AWAY IN A MANGER Featuring Michael Johnson on harp

Away in a mangerNo crib for a bed.

The little Lord JesusLaid down his sweet head.The stars in the bright skyLook down where he lay,

The little Lord JesusAsleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowingThe baby awakes,

But little Lord JesusNo crying he makes.

I love Thee Lord JesusLook down from the sky

And stay by my sideUntil morning is nigh.

Bear near me Lord JesusI ask Thee to stay

Close by me foreverAnd love I pray.

Bless all the dear childrenIn Thy tender care

And fit us for HeavenTo live with Thee there.

WINTER WONDERLANDFeaturing accompaniment by Guy and John Lauricella and

solos from Georgia Panayidis and Emma Leatham

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?In the lane, snow is glistening.

A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight,Walking in a winter wonderland.

Gone away is the bluebird,Here to stay, is the new bird.

He sings a love song, as we go along,Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow, we can build a snowman,And pretend that he is Parson Brown.

He’ll say “Are you married?”And we’ll say “No man,But you can do the job When you’re in town.”

Later on, we’ll conspire,As we dream by the fire.

To face unafraid,The plans that we’ve made,

Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow, we can build a snowman,And pretend that he is Parson Brown.

He’ll say “Are you married?”And we’ll say “No man,But you can do the job When you’re in town.”

When it snows, ain’t it thrilling?Though your nose gets a chilling.

We’ll frolic and play,The Eskimo way,


We’ll frolic and play,The Eskimo way,


O COME ALL YE FA ITHFULperformed by members of the City Life Church

O come all ye faithfulJoyful and triumphant

O come ye, o come ye to BethlehemCome and behold HimBorn the King of angels

O come, let us adore HimO come, let us adore HimO come, let us adore Him

Christ the Lord

Sing choirs of angelsSing in exultation

O sing all ye citizensOf Heaven above

Glory to GodO glory in the highest


Christ the Lord

Christ the LordYou are the Lord

Yeah Lord, we greet TheeBorn this happy morningJesus to Thee be all glory

Word of the FatherNow in flesh appearing


Christ the Lord

You are the LordYou are the Lord

You are the Lord, yeah

We’ll praise Your name foreverWe’ll praise Your name foreverWe’ll praise Your name forever

Christ the Lord

Glory in the highest

We’ll praise Your name foreverWe’ll praise Your name foreverWe’ll praise Your name forever

Christ the Lord

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMASNew lyrics by John Fleming

On the first day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, A feeling of community.

On the second day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, Two elastic ear straps.

On the third day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, Three missed school terms.

On the fourth day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, Four months of lockdown.

On the fifth day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, Five nasal swabs.

On the sixth day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, Six hand sanitisers.

On the seventh day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, Seven closed borders.

On the eighth day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, Eight meals a day.

On the ninth day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, Nine seasons of Seinfeld.

On the tenth day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, Ten o’clock in pyjamas.

On the eleventh day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, Eleven types of pasta.

On the twelfth day of Christmas 2020 gave to me, Twelve dunny rolls.

J INGLE BELLS

Jingle bells, jingle bells, Jingle all the way

Oh what fun it is to rideIn a one-horse open sleigh, hey!

Dashing through the snowIn a one-horse open sleigh

O’er the fields we goLaughing all the way

Bells on bob-tails ringMaking spirits bright

What fun it is to ride and sing A sleighing song tonight

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS

We wish you a Merry ChristmasWe wish you a Merry Christmas We wish you a Merry Christmas

And a Happy New Year.

We wish you joy, we wish you good cheer

We wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year.

Let’s all sing out loud together Let’s all sing out loud together Let’s all sing out loud together

Let everyone hear!



It has been so nice to see youIt has been so nice to see you It has been so nice to see you

To see you all here!



We’ll all meet again next Christmas We’ll all meet again next Christmas We’ll all meet again next Christmas

So see you next year.



THANK YOU ALL

further information will be available at arts.whittlesea

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