Song of the Day is off for the holidays, but we are re-posting a week of holiday songs from NYFOS Managing Director Charles McKay. This post first ran on December 21, 2016.

When I knew I was going to offer a week of holiday music, it was a no brainer that one day would be devoted to Robert Shaw.  While at Carnegie Hall, I ran the Professional Training Workshops that included Shaw’s Choral workshops.  From 1992 to 1998, for one week each January, I had the honor and privilege of being right there with him, watching and listening as he prepared one of the great choral masterpieces.

But this was not my first introduction to Mr. Shaw.  In 1977 while at UNC-CH, the Carolina Choir, led by Robert Porco, was invited to join the Atlanta Symphony Chorus and Orchestra in their annual series of Messiah performances.  Wow…what an experience.

Today I offer several performances conducted by Mr. Shaw, either with the Robert Shaw Chorale or the ASO & Chorus.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ONE AND ALL!

“Carol of the Bells” & “Deck the Halls” by the Robert Shaw Chorale

The Many Moods of Christmas with Robert Shaw and the Altanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus  (approx 51 mins)