Celebrate Christmas (in October) in Harvard Square

Your calendar may read October 7th, and I know we haven't even celebrated Advent yet, but I'm going to urge you to begin celebrating a little bit of Christmas TODAY. With the launch of the beautiful new CD "Christmas in Harvard", The Boys of St. Paul’s Choir School have given us a Christmas gift that deserves to be opened early and cherished often.

Need some convincing? Watch this lovely video and I think you'll agree with me that this is not simply a musical gift for the holidays:

My previous bishop, the very awesome Bishop John T. Steinbock, was known in our parishes for his love for his favorite song, "Joy to the World". He would hum it on 99 degree July days and sing it loud and clear any day of the year. He taught me that the carol deserved to be celebrated all year long. Indeed, the birth of our savior deserves to be shouted from the rooftops all year long.

In that spirit, I contend that "Christmas in Harvard" is a gift for today, tomorrow, and any day of the year. By purchasing this project and supporting these Boys, we send a message that this type of project is beautiful and worthy. With nineteen incredible tracks available either as a CD or for download, this recording includes many of your favorites, plus a few that will likely be new to you. The voices of the boys are truly angelic!

I'll include more information below, and urge you to order your copy via AimHigherRecordings.

Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Elvis Presley recorded Christmas albums that many music critics feel are among the greatest of all time. Another album soon might be added to the list: CHRISTMAS IN HARVARD SQUARE, the debut major label and international recording from The Boys of St. Paul’s Choir School, Harvard Square, the only Catholic choir school for boys in the United States.

The album is available now via AimHigher Recordings — the sister label of De Montfort Music.

Both traditional and contemporary arrangements are featured on the 19-track album, including some original arrangements by John Robinson, director of music at the Choir School and the Parish of St. Paul. It also includes must-have renditions of both Rutter & Willcocks arrangements. The cozy and ethereal music collection of songs for Christmas celebrates the Nativity of Christ and coincides with the 50th anniversary of the school.

“What a great blessing it is to see this day finally come when the world may hear the unique and heavenly music of The Boys of St. Paul’s Choir School,” said Monica Fitzgibbons, co-founder of AimHigher Recordings. “To say it is exciting to share the innocence of The Nativity through the angelic voices of this highly accomplished all Boys Choir, is an understatement.”

Having performed from the Boston Symphony Orchestra to Carnegie Hall and St. Peter’s Square at a papal audience for Pope Francis, the Boys of St. Paul’s Choir School have covered much diverse musical and spiritual territory. They are at an apex of greatness under the musical direction of Robinson, who hails from the U.K. and came up in the boys choir schools in Cambridge, U.K.

“Working with a traditional Choir of boys and men is a constant inspiration to me,” Robinson said. “The great music of Christmas has come down to us through the ages, and is a constant source of joy and hope. It is a unique privilege to be able to record this music with the expressive sound of the boys in the glorious acoustics of St. Paul’s Church, Harvard Square.”