Leave New York behind and be transported to the lush and harmonious world of the British Isles. Vaughan Williams' splendid Serenade to Music sets the tone for this sumptuous program of music and texts from across the pond. Other highlights include Parry's stirring Jerusalem ("And did those feet in ancient times") and his grand anthem Blest Pair of Sirens. Works by Holst will feature the shimmering Ave Maria for women's chorus in 8 parts, and the inspiring hymn "I vow to thee my country" from The Planets. Excerpts from oratorios by Elgar and others will evoke the British Empire at its peak. And to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of Shakespeare, we will be performing the three winning pieces of the Sorel Medallion, each work composed on texts by the great Bard of Avon.