A Feast of Carols
Saturday, December 13th, 2pm & 5pm
Saint Paul's Episcopal Church
22 E. Chestnut Hill Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19118
Join us for our time-honored tradition of holiday music at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church in Chestnut Hill as Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia presents A Feast of Carols – our beloved annual holiday concert that captures the magic and wonder of the winter season.
This season marks a truly special milestone with the world premiere of a new commission by acclaimed Philly-born composer Rex Isenberg. This beautiful work was commissioned by Mendelssohn Chorus on behalf of longtime singer Mark Pinzur in celebration of the birth of his grandson Benjamin Isaac Lev Pinzur – a gift of music that will touch hearts for generations to come.
Our carefully curated program features a selection of choral works that celebrate the essence of the winter holidays. Experience the timeless beauty of Mendelssohn and Handel alongside the contemporary brilliance of Abbie Betinis and our own Artistic Director Dominick DiOrio.
As always, we will be joined by the magnificent Timberdale Brass and Music Director of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, Andy Kotoylo, on organ. The concert will also feature a special solo work performed by Collaborative Pianist and Senior-Artist-In-Residence Ting Ting Wong.
A Feast of Carols is our most popular event and almost always sells out. Don't miss this cherished holiday tradition – reserve your tickets today to ensure your place at this magical evening of music and celebration.
Photo credit: Kelsey DeJesus
Meet the Composer behind "Great Miracles"
Rex Isenberg
In anticipation of A Feast of Carols, we're thrilled to present a conversation with Rex Isenberg, the composer behind "Great Miracles," which will receive its world premiere at our upcoming concert.
A Los Angeles-based composer whose work has been praised as "timeless" and "inviting," Isenberg brings a distinctive voice to contemporary choral music, with compositions that explore human relationships across time and cultures. He is particularly devoted to expanding the catalog of Jewish liturgical music, creating works that honor traditional texts while offering fresh meaning for today's listeners.
"Great Miracles" was commissioned by longtime Mendelssohn Chorus singer Mark Pinzur in honor of his grandson Benjamin's birth, and we're honored to bring this special work to life. Below, Rex shares insights into his creative process and his connection to his hometown of Philadelphia.
What was your creative process in composing this piece to honor the birth of Benjamin Isaac Lev Pinzur? Were there specific themes or emotions you wanted to capture?
It was a great honor to be asked to write this piece for the Mendelssohn Chorus in honor of Benjamin, and I want to thank Mark Pinzur for entrusting me with this task by commissioning this work.
As its title suggests, this piece is a celebration of miracles....
As a Philadelphia-born composer, what does it mean to you to have your work premiered by Mendelssohn Chorus? How has your connection to this city influenced your musical voice?
I am very proud to be from Philly, and I am thrilled to have this work premiered by one of the city’s finest performing arts ensembles. Even though I’ve lived in Los Angeles for nearly a decade.....
What do you hope singers and audiences will take away from this piece, and what elements of the work are you most excited for people to experience at the world premiere?
In this piece, the chorus sings several Jewish blessings of gratitude for the many great miracles in our past and our present. At a time of so much hardship, distress, and disorder in our country......
Tickets & Subscriptions
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