Notes

1.  Joy to the World/The Chimes - Harp orchestra with handbells
G.F.Handel wrote the music to this spirited carol."The Chimes" was written by Janet Harbison, renowned harpist and director of the Belfast Harp Orchestra (now the Irish Harp Orchestra) and the Irish Harp Centre, County Limerick, Ireland. www.irisharpcentre.com. Handbell ringers :Margaret Love, Kris McGuckin, Joan Giles, Dave Keefer, Eric and Thom Remington.

2.  Noel, Nouvelet - Harp orchestra with Thom remington, finger cymbals
A French carol dating back to the 15th century. The minor key and lively tempo sound playful, yet plodding. Verses 2 and 3 are in canon form.

3.  Carol of the Bells - Harp orchestra with Mellisa Heieie, organ
This Christmas favourite originated from an Ukrainian folk song and later adapted by Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921). In this arrangement, the harps use harmonics to produce the bell-like sound. The shortness of  the pluck is supported by the pipe organ. Melissa developed the organ part to the existing harp ensemble arrangement by Janet Witman.

4.  Christmas Canon - Harp orchestra with Melissa Heieie, organ
A blend of "The First Noel", and Johann Pachelbel's well known "Canon in D" (played in 3/4 meter!). The combination of 14 harps and pipe organ produce a majestic sound!

5.  St Day Carol - Harp quartet with Kennett Children's Choir
Also known as "Sans Day", this lighthearted carol is named for the Breton saint, St. Day. A quartet of harps played by Gillian Grassie, Margaret Love, Lianna Sanford and Janet Witman accompany the Kennett Children's Choir under the direction of Karen Markey. www.kschildrenschorus.org

6.  Carolan's Concerto - Harp duet, Lianna Sanford and Janet Witman
Turlough O'Carolan was blinded at the tender age of 18 after falling ill to smallpox. A few years later he became an itinerant harper and traveled throughout Ireland with his harp, horse and guide. One evening at a party, a classical violinist dazzled his audience with a flashy concerto. Carolan was challenged to make a memorable debut. He did it by composing his own "concerto" on the spot! This arrangement features 16-years -old Lianna Sanford being accompanied by Janet Witman.

7.  In the Bleak Midwinter - Harp orchestra with Sue Welles, wooden flute
Composer Gustov Holst (1874-1934) wrote this melody to a christmas poem by Christina Rosetti, Janet Witman composed this haunting setting for harps.

8.  Let All Mortal Keep Silence - Harp orchestra with wooden flute Ar. by Fran McGaughey
The melody of this hymn comes from a 17th century French carol "Picardy".

9.  Captain O'Kane's Canon - Harp orchestra with wooden flute
This melody originated from Ireland's beloved 17thcentury harper and composer Turlough O'Carolan. It was written for his friend and war hero, Captain Henry O'Kane. It is often played as a round or canon. Janet harmonized this arrangement.

10. Baloo, Lammy - Harp orchestra with Deb Mackie, solo voice
This tender Scottish Christmas lullaby is sung by harper and singer, Deb Mackie.

11. Harvest Home/Saw Three Ships, Ding Dong Merrily- Harp orchestra with Ami Naugler, pennywhistle
This medley begins with a traditional Irish hornpipe played on pennywhistle by 15 year old Ami Naugler. Hornpipes originated as dance music for sailors during long voyages. The lively 4/4 meter with accents on beats 1 and 3 continue through the English version of "I saw three Ships" and the lively French carol, "Ding Dong Merrily on High."

12.  Menuet/Greensleeves/Star of the County Down - Harp orchestra with wooden flute
This medley begins with a charming menuet by Johann Joachim Quantz (1697-1773) who was the flute teacher to Frederick the Great. Quantz' harmonic progression are lightly repeated in Greensleeves and then to the Irish tune, Star of the County Down.

13.  Third Carol for Christmas Day - Gillian Grassie, solo voice and Janet Witman, harp
Gillian Grassie sings this lovely carol and plays the harp with Janet during the interlude and coda. Specialthanks goes to Mary Kay Mann for this stunning arrangement.www.marymann.com

14.  Lililae - Gillian Grassie, solo harp
This beautiful harp solo is composed and performed by 18-year-old Gillian Grassie. She wrote this piece whili living Lausanne, Switzerland in 2002. Gillian is an outstanding singer/songwriter :www.gilliangrassie.com

15. Auld Lang Syne - Harp orchestra
This arrangement blends together two traditional Scottish melodies to wich Robert Burnes set his famous poem.

16. Silent Night - Harp orchestra with Dave Lock, wind
First performed on Christmas Night, 1818 in Oberndorf, Bavaria. The organ was broken, so organist Franz Gruber composed this carol for two tenors and guitar. In our setting, a distant wind opens the door to the sound of 14 celtic harps..."sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.."