UCI Chamber Singers Celebrate the Season with New Holiday Recording

New EP, Sing We Now, showcases the artistry of UC Irvine's acclaimed choral ensemble and the collaborative spirit behind its music

The UC Irvine Chamber Singers are bringing the sounds of the season to audiences around the world with the release of Sing We Now, a new holiday EP available Nov. 27 on major streaming platforms. Led by Irene Messoloras, D.M.A., director of choral activities and associate chair of the Department of Music at the UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts, the recording celebrates the warmth and wonder of the holiday season through a collection of traditional and contemporary choral works.

The EP features a range of musical expressions, from the festive energy of Sing We Now of Christmas and Venite, Gaudete! to the luminous harmonies of Ola Gjeilo's Coventry Carol and the gentle intimacy of Edmund Rubbra's Dormi, Jesu. Together, the selections offer listeners a musical journey through the many moods of Christmas, blending joyful celebration with moments of quiet reflection.

"When I began planning Sing We Now, I wanted to create a recording that reflected the spirit of the holiday season," said Messoloras. "One of the things I love most about this collection is the variety of musical colors and styles. From the festive spirit of Sing We Now of Christmas to the haunting beauty of Ola Gjeilo's Coventry Carol, each work brings something unique to the recording."

The EP's first single, Coventry Carol, will be released Nov. 13, offering an early introduction to the ensemble's newest recording.

Creating opportunities beyond the concert stage

For the UCI Chamber Singers, the recording represents more than a collection of holiday music. It is an opportunity to develop the artistic discipline, collaboration and musical sensitivity required of professional musicians while sharing their work with audiences far beyond the university.

Under Messoloras' leadership, the ensemble has earned national recognition, including first place in the 2024 American Prize competition for the Ernst Bacon Award for the Performance of American Music. The choir has also performed internationally, sharing its artistry with audiences around the world.

Professional recording projects provide students with an experience distinct from live performance. The process requires careful preparation and a heightened awareness of how each individual voice contributes to the collective sound.

"Working with university students is incredibly rewarding because you have the opportunity to witness their musical and personal growth firsthand," said Messoloras. "Professional recording projects offer a completely different kind of musical experience. They challenge students to listen more deeply and develop a heightened sense of responsibility for the collective sound."

For recent graduate Alexis Eckland, ’26, participating in the recording was an experience shaped by dedication, shared responsibility and the relationships developed among members of the ensemble.

"Countless hours are spent learning, memorizing and perfecting the music we record and it truly is a labor of love," said Eckland. "Being in a setting like that requires so much trust, not only in yourself and your conductor, but in those singing with you as well. Recording teaches you accountability and gives you a drive for perfection like nothing else."

The reward, Eckland explained, extends beyond the finished recording. Hearing the music reach listeners around the world creates a lasting connection between the performers and their audiences.

"Each stream or new listener is someone that we get to connect with in such a way that only music can connect people," she said. "To get to do that on a worldwide scale without leaving California is so special and such an incredible privilege for every person who worked on the project."

Sharing the spirit of the season

With its blend of festive traditions, expressive harmonies and intimate musical moments, Sing We Now of Christmas invites listeners to experience the beauty and emotional richness of choral music throughout the holiday season.

"Above all, I hope this recording brings a little joy and beauty to the holiday season," said Messoloras. "It is a privilege to share the artistry of these remarkable university singers with audiences around the world. I'm so proud of what we've created together."

Sing We Now of Christmas will be available Nov. 27 on major streaming platforms. The first single, Coventry Carol, will be available Nov. 13.

Listen to Coventry Carol: https://orcd.co/coventrycarolsingwenow

To learn more about UC Irvine’s Department of Music, visit arts.uci.edu/music. 

For information about Irene Messoloras, D.M.A., visit his Department of Music bio page here.