Audiences will be enchanted by a tapestry of music and movement featuring the festive sounds of brass and the radiant voice of Lithuanian soprano Lina Dambrauskaite, and the 100-voice Key Chorale for two Medieval inspired compositions. Experience the world premiere dance of Missa Carolae by English composer James Whitbourn and Ola Gjeilo’s lush and moving Dreamweaver inspired by a medieval folk tale of transformation. New holiday works by Jacob Narverud, Dan Forrest and Karl Jenkins complete this welcome holiday tradition. 

GRAMMY-nominated English composer James Whitbourn’s Missa Carolae, commissioned for the 1400th anniversary of Rochester Cathedral in England, draws on a centuries-old form called the parody mass—sacred texts set to familiar carols. Listeners will recognize melodies such as In dulci jubilo, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, and Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming, woven into a work that dances with joy and reverence. This music comes to life through original choreography by Brittany Pollack, Soloist with New York City Ballet.

“The annual collaboration between The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company and Key Chorale is always a highlight of the season, said Christopher Hird, The Sarasota Ballet’s Education Director. “It is so special for our young dancers to not only have new choreography created for them and to perform to live music at the beautiful Sarasota Opera House. I am so thankful to Joseph Caulkins for creating this partnership – long may it continue.”

The finale, Ola Gjeilo’s Dreamweaver features captivating choreography by Maximiliano Iglesias. Key Chorale has commissioned Ola Gjeilo twice and recorded an entire CD of his music. His Dreamweaver is based on parts of the Norwegian medieval folk poem Draumkvedet, an epic ballad. The protagonist, Olav Åsteson, falls asleep on Christmas Eve and sleeps for 13 days. He wakes up and rides to church to describe his dreams to the congregation about his brave, beautiful, and ultimately redeeming journey through the afterlife.

Since 2018, Key Chorale and The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company have collaborated to create and present new works for choir, orchestra, and ballet—debuting 13 new ballets to date. 

“This annual production has become a favorite holiday tradition,” said Maestro Joseph Caulkins. “To see the stage of the Sarasota Opera House filled with more than 30 dancers, 100 singers, orchestra, and soloists – it’s a breathtaking spectacle. This program captures the joy and spirt of the holiday season unlike any other.” 

Soprano Lina Dambrauskaite will be featured in both choreographed works as well as Dan Forrest’s moving arrangement of The Huron Carol, a French-Canadian melody with text written by missionary Jean de Brébeuf for the Huron people. Organist Sam Nelson joins throughout the performance and will be featured in Widor’s triumphant Toccata, accompanied by brass sextet. The orchestra and chorus will also shine in festive favorites including Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, In dulci jubilo, Greensleeves, See Amid the Winter’s Snow, and more.

Details:
Sunday, November 30, 2025
4 PM
Sarasota Opera House

To purchase tickets to Joy & Wonder, visit keychorale.org or call 941-552-8768 to reserve the best seats. Pricing varies from $20-$55, with college students just $10 and Students 18 and under are free.