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From the bold sounds of the pipes and drums, and the harmonious blending of brass, strings and percussion, to the poetic and lyrical words that complement them, The Pipes of Christmas is a festival for the soul. Having just completed its 20th season, the concert features the music of Christmas accompanied by a selection of readings taken from the Celtic literature of Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, and Scripture. Proceeds from the concert support cultural heritage and music scholarships with leading educational institutions offering Celtic culture and music.
For those weary of the ceaseless stream of secular seasonal music from department stores to TV, the Pipes of Christmas offers a spiritual and traditional take on the season that connects concertgoers to the holiday in a fresh, meaningful way. The show features tunes such as O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Joy to the World, and Amazing Grace, all performed live on pipes and drums, harp and fiddle, and organ and brass. Not only does the performance define Christmas cheer, but also it inspires those of Celtic descent to retrace and reconnect to their ancestry. A compilation CD, The Best of the Pipes of Christmas 1999 - 2012 was produced in 2013 and has sold approximately 1000 copies since its release.
Proceeds from the concert support an extensive music scholarship program which includes annual gifts to the National Piping Centre and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (both located in Glasgow,) the Gaelic College of Nova Scotia and Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas. Proceeds also support the Societys sponsorship of the US National Scottish Harp Championship, the Gaelic Literature Competition at the Royal National Mod and an annual academic research prize at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Scotlands Gaelic college on the Isle of Skye.
Commenting on the Societys music scholarship program, stage and screen star and former Honorary Chairman of the concerts, Alan Cumming said, I am delighted that proceeds from the Pipes of Christmas will result in these important gifts which ensure that the future of Scottish culture is safer with these generous scholarships.
Since making its debut in 1999, The Pipes of Christmas has played to standing room only audiences. Now a cherished holiday event, the concert provides audiences with a stirring and reverent celebration of the Christmas season and the Celtic spirit. Named one of New York Citys Top Ten holiday events, audience-goers return year after year to experience the program, many reporting that the Pipes of Christmas has become an integral part of their familys annual Christmas tradition.
The concert has been lavished with critical acclaim. In his review for Classical New Jersey Magazine, Paul Somers wrote, The whole evening was constructed to introduce gem after gem and still have a finale which raised the roof. In short, it was like a well constructed fireworks show on the Glorious Fourth. The Westfield Leader described the concert as a unique sound of power and glory nowhere else to be found.
As is customary with the Pipes of Christmas, recent concerts have all featured world premieres of new music by Scottish composers. Past compositions have included Lament for the Lost, which responded to the 9/11 terror attacks; Sea of Tranquility, in memory of astronaut Neil Armstrong; and Balmoral Snow, which marked the Queens Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
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LocationMadison Avenue Presbyterian Church (View)
921 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10021
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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