Kirkland Choral Society & Philharmonia Northwest: "Inspiration From Above"
Carmina Burana during the holidays? Not exactly. But American composer Christopher Rouse draws inspiration from both Orff’s work and Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker in his carol masterpiece Karolju: a festive, fiery, and joy-filled collection sung in a swirl of languages from around the world. It’s the centerpiece of Kirkland Choral Society’s season opener with Philharmonia Northwest, "Inspiration from Above."
Date & Time
December 7 2025
03:00 PM PST -
04:30 PM PST
Location
Seattle
14500 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore, WA 98028
Carmina Burana during the holidays? Not exactly. But American composer Christopher Rouse draws inspiration from both Orff’s work and Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker in his carol masterpiece Karolju: a festive, fiery, and joy-filled collection sung in a swirl of languages from around the world. It’s the centerpiece of Kirkland Choral Society’s season opener with Philharmonia Northwest, "Inspiration from Above."
We begin at sunset with a Mayan folksong, then fold into a night filled with serenity and stars. As constellations of song emerge—from Latvian sonorities painted with crystal wine glasses to the golden lights from our very own Washington shores—we’re reminded of the mystery each individual star holds, just as every person brings their own story to our shared world. Though we sing in many languages from around the world, we do so together—illuminating the darkness with “hearts all whole.”
Program highlights also include Lauridsen’s Sure On This Shining Night, Vaughan Williams’s Serenade to Music, and works by Handel, Ešenvalds, and Voces8. KCS is delighted to be joined in this concert by our partner orchestra, Philharmonia Northwest, along with a group of talented young singers from Lake Washington High School. Come and join us as we welcome the holiday season with celebration, connection, and song!
* Please note: Strong ticket demand for our Sunday holiday concert has often resulted in sellouts.