Campus chapel among sites for annual Tortolano Christmas concerts

William Tortolano

Sing We Now Noel — a celebration of Christmas and seasonal music – will be presented at three different locations with Dr. William Tortolano as organist.  The 92-year-old Saint Michael’s College Professor Emeritus of Fine Arts and Music, continues to avoid retirement.

The acoustic and tonal resources of the different Vermont spaces will bring a wide variety of organ music and vocal soloists. The audience will have an opportunity to sing favorite carols from many countries, including a Native Huron carol. Organ solos are by J.S. Bach, Pachelbel, Brahms, Yon and Rowley.

Different vocal solos at each church will include O Holy Night, The Schubert Ave Maria; He Shall Feed His Flock from The Messiah; and the Italian carols, Gesù Bambino and Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle. Soloists are Jake Barickman and John Schreindorfer at St. Mary’s” Church on December 5, 2021 in St. Albans; Jerry Proulx at Saint Michael’s College Chapel on December 12, 2021; and Elizabeth Ortiz at Blessed Sacrament Church in Stowe on December 19, 2021. All concerts are at 2 p.m.

Tortolano has enjoyed a long career,  including 61 years of it in Vermont. Recognized as an expert in Gregorian chant, he was honored with the Papal medal, Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice, by Pope Benedict.

The concerts are free and open to the public. An optional free will offering will be available.