Salmon Community Choir Christmas Performance December 19, 2008
Under the direction of Gary Foss
Carol of the Bells: This traditional favorite is from the Peter J. Wilhousky Choral Series. Words by Peter J. Wilhousky, music by Mykola Leontovich, and arranged by Peter J.Wilhousky.
About Carol of the Bells
Orininally a Ukrainian New Year's carol, Shchedryk (Wealth) was written by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovich, who saw to it that the piece found a place in the repertoire list of the Ukrainain Republican A Capella Choir in 1919. Under the directorship of Alexader Koshetz, this chorus began its goodwill tour in all major European cities and later brought their performances to North America. It was in one of these United States performances that Peter J. Wilhousky first heard the carol. Inspired by the beauty of the melody, Wilhousky wrote original lyrics and arranged the music into what has become an American Christmas masterpiece, rntitled Carol of the Bells.
About Peter J. Wilhousky: Born in Passiac, New Jersey, to Czechoslovakian parents, Peter J. Wilhousky's musical talents were nourished from a young age. As a youth, Wilhousky attended the renowned Russian Cathedral Boys' Choir School in New York City. He continued his studies at the Damrosch Institute of Musical Arts in New York, which later became the Juilliard School of Music, from which he received a B.A.Degree. After completing his formal education, Wilhousky dedicated his life-long career to music education, making revolutionary contributions in this field.
His reputation as an extraordinary choral conductor gained him fame and popularity, prividing him with leadership opportunities in presenting choral conducting master classes and festivals throughout the country. Techniques taught by Wilhousky, to this day, strongly influence the skill of the finest choral conductors in the United States.
Wilhousky was awarded an honorary doctorate from the New York College of Music, the Handel Medallion "in recognition of his service to the youth of the city of New York," and in 1975 the American Choral Directors Association award for "pioneering leadership. inspiration, and service to the choral art."