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Drawing inspiration from the Age of Absolutism when Baroque masters like Bach navigated aristocratic control, this bold program features a world premiere neo-Baroque setting by composer Evan Fein of Francisco de Quevedo's 17th-century satirical poem "Poderoso Caballero es Don Dinero"—a fierce critique of wealth's corrupting power that speaks directly to our current moment. Vince Peterson's own Tenor/Bass arrangements of portions of Bach's Christmas Oratorio and Handel's "Messiah" join music by Charpentier and Mendelssohn, alongside powerful contemporary works: Joan Szymko's exhilarating "A Winter Ride," Edwin Willmington's provocative "Refugee King" (reimagining the Holy Family as displaced refugees), Brian Tate's theatrical "Run Mary Run," and Dan Forrest's transcendent setting of civil rights leader Howard Thurman's "The Work of Christmas."

Performed with full Baroque orchestra and harpsichord continuo, ABSOLUTE JOY transforms historical oppression into contemporary resistance—a declaration that no corrupt leader can extinguish the human spirit's capacity for transcendent joy.

Absolute Joy: Livestream

Empire City Men's Chorus: Holiday 2025 Concert