A Symphony of Voices and Movement: Nowell, Nowell Celebrates the Magic of the Season
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Key Chorale and The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company join forces for Nowell, Nowell, an extraordinary celebration of music, dance, and the spirit of the season. The performance takes place Sunday, November 29, at 4 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House.
This annual collaboration with The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company, Nowell, Nowell brings together the 100 voices of Key Chorale, the Key Chorale Orchestra, acclaimed soprano Katherine Henly, bass-baritone Jesse Martin, and 31 dancers from The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company for an afternoon of festive music and captivating choreography.
The program explores the richness of holiday traditions through a vibrant collection of choral masterworks and seasonal favorites. Ralph Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on Christmas Carols is a centerpiece of the afternoon, weaving together beloved English carols in a richly expressive work for chorus, orchestra, and bass-baritone soloist. Featuring Jesse Martin, the work moves between moments of quiet reflection and exuberant celebration. Martin also takes center stage in Ryan James Brandau's colorful and spirited Wassail, A Jig for Baritone and Chorus, a lively musical toast to the season.
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Dance takes an international turn with Danses de Noël, a festive suite inspired by six tuneful French Christmas carols, several of which trace their origins to the earliest traditions of medieval caroling. With music by Stephen Mager and Brent Wells and choreography by Addul Manzano, the work transforms these centuries-old melodies into a colorful celebration of rhythm, movement, and holiday spirit.
The afternoon culminates with John Rutter's beloved Magnificat, featuring soprano Katherine Henly and choreography by Ariel Rose. One of the most celebrated contemporary settings of the traditional Latin text, Rutter's work moves from exuberant praise to moments of tenderness and reflection. The combination of soaring choral voices, orchestra, and expressive choreography creates a dynamic and visually compelling finale.
The concert also features a collection of cherished seasonal favorites, including The First Nowell, Sing We All Noel!, and Handel's jubilant Rejoice, Greatly from Messiah.
“Nowell, Nowell captures everything we love about the holiday season: joy, wonder, tradition, and togetherness,” said Joseph Caulkins, Artistic Director of Key Chorale. “There is something extraordinary about bringing singers, instrumentalists, and dancers together to create a shared artistic experience. Each year, this collaboration reminds us of the incredible creative energy in our community and the power of the arts to bring people together.”
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The production features soprano Katherine Henly, whose international career spans opera, musical theater, jazz, and concert performance. Her credits include appearances with The Metropolitan Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Washington National Opera, and the Royal Opera House Muscat, as well as performances at Carnegie Hall.
Bass-baritone Jesse Martin is a Southwest Florida-based performer who has appeared with Opera Tampa, St. Petersburg Opera, and Choral Artists of Sarasota. In addition to his performance career, Martin teaches applied voice at State College of Florida and works with Key Chorale.
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Choreographer Ariel Rose, a Peruvian-American artist and former soloist with Miami City Ballet, has created works for professional companies throughout the Americas. His choreography has been presented at distinguished venues including Jacob's Pillow and the Joyce Theater in New York City. Addul Manzano also brings his choreographic vision to Danses de Noël.
For almost a decade, Key Chorale's holiday collaboration with The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company has become a cherished part of Sarasota's cultural landscape. Traditionally presented on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, the performance has evolved into an unofficial kickoff to the holiday season, bringing together music, dance, and community in a celebration of artistic excellence and shared experience.
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With its combination of beloved holiday music, extraordinary vocal and instrumental artistry, and the beauty and athleticism of dance, Nowell, Nowell offers audiences a memorable way to begin the holiday season.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Nowell, Nowell
When: Sunday, November 29, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL
Presented by: Key Chorale in collaboration with The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company
Tickets: $25–$60. Students 18 and under are free; college students are $10.
Tickets are available at www.keychorale.org or by calling the box office at 941-552-8768.
About Key Chorale
Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, is dedicated to transforming lives through innovative programming, artistic excellence, educational outreach, and service to the community. Led by Joseph Caulkins, Key Chorale produces high quality collaborative musical events that engage and enrich our community. Through dynamic collaborations with The Sarasota Ballet, The Venice Symphony, The Circus Arts Conservatory, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and more, Key Chorale is able to create unforgettable programs that continue to push the boundaries of choral music.
For more information, visit www.keychorale.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeyChorale/