Written as a prequel to Pepper Choplin's best-selling Easter work, Once Upon a Tree, this new cantata follows closely the first two chapters of Luke. As the narrator, Luke leads worshippers through the story as he writes and reflects on the power and significance of the events. From the struggle and unbelief of Zechariah to the innocent faith of Mary,from the exuberance of the shepherds to the quiet joy of Simeon, Luke r eveals the real human emotions of the story. Listeners are able to identify with the characters and experience the Christmas event in a deeply personal way. The music is dramatic and is enriched with the masterful orchestrations of Brant Adams. Whether performed simply with Luke as the narrator, or with additional characters and full staging, Once Upon a Night promises a profoundly moving Christmas memory for all.
