Ars Nova Singers · 2026–27 Season · Confluence

Darkness & Light

December 10, 13, 17 & 19, 2026

Choose your night

The Program

A Solstice Celebration

Every culture that has ever endured a winter has arrived at the same two words: darkness and light. They are conditions for one another. A candle is only visible because of what surrounds it. The year’s shortest days are precisely the days people decide to light something.

The winter solstice reminds us that even in the darkness there is light, and still more light to come: each day we get just a bit closer to the sun again. Nationally recognized for innovative and adventuresome programming, Ars Nova Singers presents a selection of mysteriously moving music for the winter holidays: a program balancing novelty, tradition, and familiar melodies with innovative new sounds. Celebrate the season with a convergence of luminous medieval harmonies, joyous Renaissance motets, and favorite carols in sparkling new arrangements.

We’re pleased to share the stage once again with percussionist and vibraphonist Gavin Kitchen, principal percussionist of the Longmont Symphony, percussionist for the Plein Air Sound Collective, and regular performer in regional and pit orchestras. Come help us make the season bright!

FEATURED MUSIC:

Ave Maria, O auctrix vitae – Hildegard of Bingen

This gentil day daws – Anon. English carol (15th century)

The Rune of Hospitality – Alf Houkom

Special Guest Artist

Gavin Kitchen, vibraphone & percussion

Gavin Kitchen, percussionist and vibraphonist, guest artist for Darkness & Light

Gavin Kitchen is a percussionist, composer, and educator from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He holds a Master’s degree in percussion performance from the University of Colorado Boulder and a Bachelor’s degree in percussion performance from the University of Tennessee Martin.

As a soloist, Gavin was runner-up in Vibraphone Project Inc.’s Vibefest Vibraphone Solo Competition in 2025, took first place in Tennessee’s Day of Percussion Collegiate Keyboard Competition in 2019, was runner-up in the University of Tennessee Martin’s Instrumental Solo Competition in 2021, and was a semi-finalist in the University of Colorado Boulder’s Bruce Ekstrand Memorial Graduate Student Performance Solo Competition in 2024.

He is principal percussionist of the Longmont Symphony Orchestra and percussionist for the Plein Air Sound Collective, a site-specific mixed chamber ensemble, and performs regularly as a substitute percussionist in regional orchestras and pit orchestras.

The Choir