America's premiere early music ensemble joins with members of the Sharq Arab Ensemble to bring a unique style and sensibility to our holiday program: the Christmas narrative retold using songs, chants, and instrumental pieces from the countries of the Mediterranean basin. Spain, Italy, and southern France in Europe, and also north Africa and the Middle East feature in this colorful and evocative program. With its inspiring vertical sweep, decorated vaulted ceilings, intricately carved woodwork and Batchelder tile floors, the imposing sanctuary of this French Gothic-inspired landmark church makes an exciting setting for this “jubilant and inspiring” (The Boston Globe) seasonal concert. "World class...a fascinating multicultural journey" (Detroit Free Press).

This concert is made possible in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, with additional funding from the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles.