Dorothy Penner, who performs as Sister Dorothy, has recorded four classical guitar arrangements of traditional Christmas songs. Beginning on Sun., Nov. 28, Penner will release one each on the four Sundays of Advent. <\/div>\n
“When I started my solo career in 1995, my first album was a Christmas album, which I optimistically titled Volume 1, and I’m titling this one Volume 2: Advent,” said Penner.<\/div>\n
While Volume 2 in the Christmas album run has been a long time coming, the project is just the latest in a long string of creative endeavours Penner has released over the years. A member of the all-female rock band Welfare $tarlets in the ’90s, Penner has been performing as Sister Dorothy since 1995, releasing 10 CDs and over 30 music videos. <\/div>\n
“I wanted to go with traditional ones, familiar ones,” Penner said. “I thought I have done a lot in the past, I’ve done so many already over the years, that I wanted it to be different.”<\/div>\n
First up is Silent Night, which also appeared on the Sister Dorothy Christmas Volume 1 CD, albeit with a much different arrangement.<\/div>\n
Next up is Lo, How a Rose E’re Blooming, a song that dates back to the 16th century, with Penner’s arrangements based on Michael Praetorius’s harmony from 1609.<\/div>\n
“I just love the music for that one,” Penner said. “It’s always been a favourite of mine.”<\/div>\n
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlefolk provides a bit of a sonic change for the third selection.<\/div>\n
“I like it quick, in a minor key, it moves along nicely and provides a nice contrast,” Penner said.<\/div>\n
Good King Wenceslas rounds out Volume 2: Advent. All the videos will be posted to YouTube and Sister Dorothy’s website and can be viewed for free.<\/div>\n
To kick Advent off, Sister Dorothy will be performing at Assiniboine Zoo for Zoo Lights on Sun., Nov. 28.<\/div>\n
But the holiday spirit doesn’t stop there. Penner has been working with a recorder group out of the Good Neighbours Active Living Centre (720 Henderson Hwy.), preparing for a Christmas concert the morning of Fri., Dec. 17. Among other holiday classics, the group will perform a new arrangement of George Michael’s Last Christmas.<\/div>\n
“I just love it because I’m doing arrangements for nine recorders; soprano, alto, tenor,” Penner said. “We’re also including a lot of body percussion.”<\/div>\n
Penner will also be returning to Sagkeen First Nation to help high school students prepare their virtual holiday concert.<\/div>\n
“I’m really excited to be back, because it’s been a couple of years since I’m able to go back out there,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to it. I loved working with those folks up there. It’s just a pleasure.”<\/div>\n
For more information, visit www.sisterdorothy.com<\/div>\n<\/p>\n
Christmastime has come again and a local musician has created some seasonal content for music lovers to enjoy this Advent.<\/p>\n
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