ARE THERE STILL BELLS
Hurwit's composition “Are There Still Bells” started as a short original Christmas carol inspired by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem "Christmas Bells." The composer has now extended the lyrics into a universal entreaty for world peace and expanded the music into an eleven-minute composition for chorus and chamber orchestra.
The work features a segment in which the chorus sings "Peace on Earth" in Arabic, Greek, Hebrew, Latin, and many modern languages spoken around the world.
PERFORMANCES
Are There Still Bells
piano/organ reduction and chorus
Central Connecticut State University Chorus
Drew Collins, Conductor
Torp Theatre
New Britain, CT - December 2, 2016
Are There Still Bells
(extended version)
New Britain Symphony Orchestra with CCSU Chorus
Ertan Sener, Conductor
Welte Hall
New Britain, CT - November 20, 2016
Are There Still Bells
for orchestra and chorus (short version)
Asylum Hill Congregational Church Chorus with Orchestra
Steve Mitchell, Conductor
Asylum Hill Congregational Church
Hartford, CT - December 23, 2013