The Renaissance Voices, a premier a cappella choral group, appeared in concert at the Sanford Springvale Historical Society Museum in Springvale on Dec. 13.

Conducted by Harold Stover, this was their fifth consecutive appearance at the museum. An enthusiastic capacity audience awaited the singers ”“ who did not disappoint them one bit. The Voices consist of 21 singers divided as follows: seven sopranos, five altos, four tenors and five bases. The reason for the seven sopranos is that in most of the music from the 16th century, the soprano part is divided. All the music performed was without accompaniment ”“ a cappella ”“ as was the practice in the 16th century.

I have given Mr. Stover high marks for his musicianship, his molding of phrases, and the professional manner of his conducting. Nothing I saw or heard at this concert indicated that these elements contradicted my previous evaluation. As for the singers, their tone was ethereal and always in tune. The parts were balanced while rhythms and attacks were always precise.

Composers on this program included compositions from the 16th century: Hans Leo Hassler, Juan Esquivel, Jeronimo de Aliseda, Orlando di Lasso, Andrea Gabrieli and Jacob Handl. The performance of “Ab oriente venerunt Magi” by Handl was particularly moving.

Mr. Stover’s stirring rendition of “Ding dong! Merrily on High,” a 16th-century melody arranged by Charles Wood, demonstrated the versatility of his superbly trained group. Stover is a composer as well. He led the group in a performance of his “This I Am” to a text by one Julian of Norwich, who lived in the late 14th and early 15th centuries. Stover’s extensive knowledge of Renaissance music was evident in his treatment of the voices.

Compositions by 20th-century composers Paul Halley and Healey Willan rounded out the program. Interspersed in the moving music were readings of various texts by Maya Angelou, E.B. White, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Ogden Hash. These were read respectively by Jessica Lantos, Leroy Jackson, Sarah Potter and Bernie Horowitz. Horowitz gave her lengthy presentation by heart, and the audience appreciated her interpretation of the humorous text.

It was called to my attention that folks who purchased tickets for a museum concert would be receiving a 10 percent discount for a meal at the Bradford Block Bistro, also in Springvale. Judging by the complimentary pastries consumed during intermission, this seems like a win-win arrangement.

The program of “Christmas with the Renaissance Voices” will again be heard in performances at their home base of St. Luke’s Cathedral in Portland in the coming weeks. The next concert at the Sanford Springvale Museum will feature violinist Ronald Lantz accompanied by Laura Kargul on Feb. 7. The museum will be hosting a Christmas concert tonight, Dec. 18, with the Sanford High School Chorus providing the music at 5 p.m. Jane Kirton will be conducting, and I will be accompanying the group. Complimentary refreshments will be provided.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish my readers a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

— Dr. Gold is a composer/conductor and an arts reviewer for the Journal Tribune.