“The arrangement came to me in a dream”, says Judith Clurman of the magnificent “Christmas Joy”, the eponymous heart of the new EP, released October 1, 2023. A through-composed choral fantasy, Ms. Clurman wanted to put the Spirit back into Christmas, and this first of three specially-commissioned works is arranged with text adaptations by Josh Clayton and Ms. Clurman.

Saturday, December 16 was a special concert evening at the Actor’s Chapel at St. Malachy’s Church in the heart of the theater district. This chapel hosted the Christmas Joy concert featuring a trinity of World Premieres with “Christmas Joy” opening and closing the show, “The Snow”, Bill Cutter’s setting for Lewis Carroll’s words (yes, THAT Lewis Carroll) and “Illumination” by composer Pierre Jalbert and award-winning songwriter William Schermerhorn. Interspersed with these masterworks are favorite holiday carols where Ms. Clurman conducted the audience as we sang along.

The beautiful French Gothic-style interior of the Actor’s Chapel with its vaulted ceilings, wrap-around pews and intimate lighting invite introspection. The glorious altar has intricate carving and the statues seem to bring forth confidences. Every seat was taken and there was standing room only in the back as attendees of all ages enjoyed Essential Voices USA accompanied by Essential Strings. There was even a special Fantasy on “O Holy Night” by Stephen Fraser on the full-voiced organ that resonated in surrounding sound.

The evening was over all-too-soon and even while the strains of “Christmas Joy” made my steps light, I had to listen again to these new Holiday favorites on my way home.

Tired of the hustle bustle to nowhere and the rushed rashness of the Holiday season? It’s time for some “Christmas Joy”! Listen to the EP on your favorite streaming sources. You can find more information at Essential Voices USA’s website: EssentialVoicesUSA.com.