Gaudete
Sop 1: Jane B, Jackie, Lucinda, Jennifer, Lesley H, Kath, Sarah B, Sarah M, Nicki, Helen Mary
Sop 2: Andrea, Alex, Sharon, Alison J, Fiona C, Alison F, Jinny, Monica, Katy, Jancis
Sop 3: Fiona M, Kate, Rosemary, Christine H, Jan, Sarah H, Betty, Brenda
Alto 1: Jenny V, Jenny S, Sarah E, Frances, Penny, Judith, Sally P, Lesley D
Alto 2: Christine C, Carole, Anna, Amanda, June, Jane H
This is an old English carol thought to have been written in the sixteenth century. This arrangement is by Suzzie Vango, a Briish conductor and composer and co-founder of Papagena, the UK's flagship female vocal ensemble (after Paddock SIngers of course).
The words translate as follows:
Rejoice, rejoice!
Christ is born
Of the Virgin Mary –
Rejoice!
The time of grace has come—
What we have wished for;
Songs of joy
Let us give back faithfully.
God has become man,
With nature marvelling,
The world has been renewed
By the reigning Christ.
The closed gate of Ezekiel
Is passed through,
Whence the light is risen;
Salvation has been found.
Therefore, let our assembly
Now sing in brightness
Let it bless the Lord:
Greetings to our King.