You never know what to expect on a Christmas program of the Ars Nova Singers, and that spirit of surprise and adventure is exactly what make each year’s presentation so appealing and special.
Steering far from mall music and endlessly repeated radio ditties, this superb 40-voice a cappella choir uncovers little-known holiday treasures from the distant past and yet-to-be discovered masterworks from this era.
So it was Friday evening, as the Boulder-based group broke from its usual practice and opened its annual run of yuletide concerts in Denver at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1600 Grant St.
In addition to unusual, dependably thoughtful programming, this year’s line-up — an especially strong one — offered everything we always expect from this superb ensemble: faultless intonation, stunning blend and total commitment to everything it does.
As they have in the past, Ars Nova began the concert in quietly dramatic fashion.The singers processed into the darkened church carrying candles and singing, “Ave Maris Stella,” a simple Gregorian chant infused with timeless, primal power.
After two more medieval selections, the choir turned to the Spanish Renaissance and performed a series of polyphonic songs known as “villancicos,” beginning with two from a collection published in 1556.
Soloist Leah Creek Biesterfeld, a vibrant, full-voiced alto, lit up the compact opener, “No la develmosdormir,” which was followed by a suitably rousing take on the upbeat “Riu, rui, chiu!”
Providing a striking addition to the program was Boulder classical guitarist Benjamin Cantú, who first joined the choir for two villancicos by Francisco Guerrero (1528-1599) and a handsome, unpretentious instrumental version of Agustín Barrios Mangoré’s “Villancico de Navidad.”
Ending the first half and filling out the second half were a series of modern and contemporary works, many pushing sonic boundaries in different ways. Among them was Morten Lauridsen’s “O nata lux de lumine” (1997), which drew several audible “wows” from the audience. This meticulously constructed work with its shimmering harmonies and haunting mysticism manages to sound at once ancient and new.
The program will be repeated at 7:30 p.m. today and Dec. 16 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1419 Pine St., in Boulder, and 2 p.m. Dec. 17 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Blvd.
