The eminently British composer Gustav Holst (1874-1934) is best-known for his orchestral suite The Planets, but he led a busy life as a choirmaster and organist and composer/arranger of choral music. Holst was integral to the revitalization of the English traditional hymn and folksong. These Four Old English Carols breathe new life into the ancient Christmas story while embracing the traditional church choral roots they sprang from: "A Babe Is Born", "Now Let Us Sing", "Jesu, Thou the Virgin Born", and "The Saviour of the World Is Born". We'll also perform two more of Holst's holiday offerings - one reverent, one hearty: "In the Bleak Midwinter" and "Bring Us In Good Ale".